A police union representing officers in Oakland, California, has demanded the immediate resignation of Mayor Sheng Thao, citing a lack of resources for police to effectively respond to reports of criminal activity.
The Oakland Police Officer's Association president expressed concerns at a news conference, highlighting failures in the city related to crime, budget crisis, and the recent distraction caused by an FBI raid.
The union emphasized the impact on citizens, noting instances where emergency calls were not adequately addressed due to understaffing within the police department.
In response to the union's call for resignation, Mayor Thao defended her administration's efforts, stating that crime rates in Oakland have decreased. She accused the police union of playing politics during a critical time and urged unity in addressing public safety concerns.
While the mayor highlighted budget allocations towards public safety, including funding for new police academies and the retention of police jobs, the police union argued that more significant investments and staffing increases are necessary to address the city's crime issues.
The Oakland POA vice president emphasized the need for hiring more police officers and retaining existing ones to effectively combat crime. A recall effort to remove Mayor Thao from office is underway, with the police union suggesting her resignation to expedite the process and focus on immediate solutions.
Recent incidents, such as shootings near Fruitvale Ave. and MacArthur Blvd., have further intensified concerns about public safety in Oakland. The community remains on edge following multiple shooting incidents that have resulted in injuries and hospitalizations.
