You can now track Oakland's gun violence prevention efforts

"The city began reinvesting resources in Ceasefire in 2024. Since then, homicides and shootings in Oakland have been trending downward. OPD's most recent crime data shows homicides are down 28% and shootings are down 25% year-to-date compared with the same period last year. It's unclear whether Ceasefire is causing this drop in crime, as many other factors could be playing a role."

"Launched in July and updated on the 5th of each month, the data portal provides insight into the Oakland residents most likely to engage in violence, as well as how the DVP's violence interrupters work. It presents demographic information on the individuals, known as "clients," served through Ceasefire and outlines the most common risk factors among those at the center of gun violence in the city."

Ceasefire launched in Oakland in 2012 uses trained, non-law enforcement workers to contact individuals at highest risk of gun involvement and offers life coaching and community services. A 2018 study credited the program with reducing homicides by 31% and shootings by 20% from 2013–2018, but funding declined beginning in 2016 amid OPD scandals and a shift to other initiatives. The city began reinvesting in Ceasefire in 2024, and homicide and shooting rates have trended downward since, though causation is unclear. A Department of Violence Prevention focused deterrence dashboard launched in July provides monthly client demographics, risk factors, and service details.

Read at The Oaklandside