Oakland is facing a budget crisis leading to potential cuts to critical oversight agencies, specifically the Office of Inspector General and the Community Police Review Agency. Both agencies, essential for monitoring police misconduct, highlighted that their operations are at risk due to staffing shortages and anticipated budget reductions, with the OIG predicting a 40% cut over the next two years. The inspector general noted the inadequate capacity of his office, which is crucial for maintaining police accountability, and warned that such reductions could undermine public trust and safety in Oakland.
I won’t go into detail about the exact dollar amount, but at this time I’ll say the OIG is looking at a potential 40% reduction for fiscal year 2025 through 2027. I don’t have a skeleton crew - I have less than a skeleton crew.
Any reduction in our capacity could have serious implications for public trust and safety.
Prior to this layoff, my office was already tasked with conducting audits, inspections, and evaluations of OPD policies and procedures, despite not having any auditors, inspectors, or evaluators.
Both operate under the purview of the police commission, which Oakland voters created in 2016 in response to a series of shocking police scandals.
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