For Immediate Release July 2, 2024
OPD News:
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) maintains ongoing communication with the California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) regarding compliance with the state’s 911 answering times. In a letter dated June 28, 2024, CALOES said, “The CA 9-1-1 Branch team has also been monitoring the 9-1-1 answer times for Oakland and, although still not meeting the standard, noticeable improvement has been made. The CA 9-1-1 Branch understands Oakland PD requires time to hire and train new staff which, will aid in bringing call answer times back into compliance.”
Currently, 71 of the 76 authorized OPD dispatched positions are filled, compared to only 61 out of 76 in July of last year. Answering speeds have gradually improved, with 38% of calls answered in 15 seconds or less in July of last year, increasing to 47% in May. Although work remains, the City of Oakland is committed to addressing this issue, as noted by the state. CALOES’s letter further indicates that “… the CA 9-1-1 Branch will continue to monitor the answer times for Oakland PD. Provided continued improvement is being made, the CA 9-1-1 Branch will take no further action.”
Attached is a copy of the State’s letter.
