Dear Oakland Community,
The City is aware that tonight at 6 p.m. another protest is scheduled to occur in and around Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The Oakland Police Department has made preparations accordingly and will be on hand to facilitate peaceful demonstrations. Anyone caught committing acts of vandalism or violent crimes will be subject to arrest.
This past weekend the verdict in the George Zimmerman case was announced with little advance notice. The downtown business areas were unfortunately impacted by vandalism which included broken windows and graffiti. Today, Chief Sean Whent met with a majority of the affected businesses and listened to their concerns as he shared tonight enforcements plans and assessed the damage.
The Oakland Police Department is actively investigating the crimes and will be working with businesses and the community to identify criminals who are responsible for such acts.
We recognize the death of Trayvon Martin as a tragic event felt throughout the community. We understand the verdict announcement is an emotional one. We are committed to supporting peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.
Anyone who may have video footage involving person’s committing acts of vandalism; is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department Investigators at 510-238-3951.
Keeping peace on our streets and protecting the safety of Oakland residents and businesses is our top priority. Our intent in providing you this update is not to alarm, but to inform and educate about these potential events. Please share this letter with your employees, neighbors and tenants.
The City of Oakland is committed to facilitating peaceful expressions of free speech rights, and protecting personal safety and property.
Mayor Jean Quan City Administrator Deanna J. Santana Interim Police Chief Sean Whent
Report Illegal Activity Anonymously
- Call OPD’s anonymous toll-free tip hotline: (855) TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)
- Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your text-enabled cell phone
- Go to www.bit.ly/PFxk7D to anonymously submit photos of illegal activity using the online submission form
Emergency Assistance
- From a landline: call 911
- From a cell phone: call (510) 777-3211 (pre-program this number now so it is handy in an emergency)
Stay Informed
The City will use a variety of communication channels to keep the business community and the public informed of developments as they occur:
- Website: www.oaklandnet.com
- Subscribe to Email or Text Alerts
Enter your email address in the “Email Updates” section on the City’s home page, www.oaklandnet.com. To receive wireless alerts via mobile phone, check the “Send Wireless Alerts to this address” box. - Public Safety Notifications
Receive notifications from OPD through text/SMS, mobile applications, email and Internet posts. Sign up at www.nixle.com. - Twitter
For general City of Oakland news, follow @CityofOaklandCA.
For public safety news, follow OPD @oaklandpoliceca. - Business Support
Contact the City of Oakland’s Business Assistance Center at (510) 238-7952 or visit www.OaklandBAC.com. - Telephone: call (510) 444-CITY for information and/or recorded updates.
- Transit Updates
Visit www.511.org or call 511 for up-to-date traffic and transit information.
For BART information, call (510) 465-2278 or visit www.bart.gov. Sign up for mobile service alerts at www.bart.gov/news/alerts.
Simple Tips for Everyday Safety
- Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for information.
- If possible, park your car in a secure, off-street location.
- Remove or secure trash receptacles.
- Be sure your business is well lit. Good lighting increases visibility—and also increases the effectiveness of any closed circuit TV system.
- If you have a closed circuit TV system, be sure it is in good working order and is turned on. Save recordings of documented criminal activity.
- Make sure your building has good quality locks on the doors and windows. Deadbolt locks are a must for exterior doors.
- All exterior doors with a gap should be covered with a steel plate to prevent the door from being pried open
- Leave the cash drawer empty and open after business hours.
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