Community Policing and Violence Prevention in Oakland: Measure Y in Action

• NCJ Number: 221950
• Author(s): Jeremy M. Wilson; Amy G. Cox; Tommy L. Smith; Hans Bos; Terry Fain
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 155 pages
• Sale Source: Rand Corporation
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the progress of programs in Oakland (California) funded under the city's Violence Prevention and Public Safety Act of 2004, more commonly referred to as "Measure Y."

Abstract

Findings on the community policing program launched under Measure Y show that the deployment of problem-solving officers (PSOs), which is the cornerstone of the community-policing initiative, has been delayed due to a lack of available PSOs, a lack of equipment and training, frequent transfers of officers out of their beats, and infringement on the time PSOs were intended to commit to Measure Y. Further, the implementation of community policing is compromised by a lack of community participation. The violence-prevention programs (27 programs operated by 18 grantee organizations in implementing 15 strategies) have generally been implemented as planned. For the most part, they are providing the services intended; however, attracting new participants, especially from traditionally underrepresented groups (e.g., truants and individuals unconnected to existing community infrastructure) is an ongoing challenge for some programs. One general recommendation is that the city consider increasing the daily oversight of activities and programs funded under Measure Y. In addition, the city and its partner agencies should improve communications with the general public about the implementation of Measure Y, so as to increase its outreach and impact. The city should also expand its hosting of events that promote collaboration among funded agencies and programs. Specific recommendations target community policing and violence-prevention programs funded under Measure Y. The evaluation used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative methods included structured interviews with department and program managers and staff, a review of program and management documents, and focus groups with community stakeholders and program participants. The quantitative methods included analysis of data on officer deployments, crime reports, and violence-prevention programs. 11 figures and 38 tables