Oakland PD released a strategic plan today, which lays out a new direction for the Oakland police. This is Police Chief Anthony Batts' message:

The day after Thanksgiving, five"year"old Azaria was struck in the back by a stray bullet.  The bullet was fired during a running gun battle, presumably between rival gang members.  Little Azaria was visiting her grandmother in Oakland.  Thankfully, her injuries were relatively minor.  A few days later, I visited Azaria.  I looked into her young eyes and apologized to her.  I told her that when I became Chief of the Oakland Police Department, I accepted the responsibility for keeping her and others in Oakland safe.  I was sorry to have failed her.   
 
Unfortunately, Azaria’s story is not unusual in Oakland.  Since becoming Chief, I have learned of innumerable similar tragedies, many with more devastating outcomes.  My mission, and the mission of the Oakland Police Department, is to eliminate these tragedies.  This Strategic Plan outlines my vision and strategies to accomplish this mission.
 
The Strategic Plan establishes a vision for Oakland and the Oakland Police Department. This vision is based on what I have heard over the past few months from members of the Oakland Community and members of the Oakland Police Department.  I have heard parents say they would like their children to be able to play outside without fearing they will be hurt or killed.  Members of the business community have said they would like to open and operate their businesses without the fear of being harassed or robbed.  Many people have expressed a desire for police to be there when they need them, and to treat them with respect and dignity.  Others would like a more effective partnership between the Community and the Police.   
 
From the men and women of the Oakland Police Department, I have heard a desire for clear and consistent direction, for fair treatment, and to be developed rather than just disciplined.  I have also heard their need to have the tools and support they need to effectively do their jobs.  They would like to be seen as an innovative, professional, and effective police agency.  Perhaps most importantly, I have heard their desire to be respected and valued by the Community of Oakland.
 
As with any plan, it is important to define the current reality or starting point as well as the destination.  Unfortunately, the current reality is not very positive.  Oakland is not a safe community – in fact it is among the least safe and most violent in the US.  Services provided to the Community by the Police Department are nowhere near the standards that should be expected.  Many good people in the Community do not trust the Police Department and live in fear of the police as well as of criminals.  Collaboration between the Police Department and the Community has not met Community expectations.   
 
As I have said on many occasions, the Oakland Police Department’s management and service delivery systems are broken.  The Department is clearly under resourced given  the level of crime in Oakland and the demand for police services.  Basic equipment needed for Department personnel to do their jobs, such as police vehicles, is inadequate.  The Department lacks basic police management tools and processes that would allow its limited resources to be focused most effectively.  As a result, the morale of the Department’s personnel is very low; the fact that they are still able and willing to provide services given the lack of support is commendable.   
 
Realizing the vision outlined in this strategic plan will require substantial change in the Oakland Police Department, including change in direction and priorities, change in organization, and change in operations.  Most importantly, change in the culture and focus of the Police Department will be required.   
 
Realizing the vision will also require patience and support from the Community of
Oakland.  I ask you to put aside the past and find ways you can help work toward the vision outlined in this plan.
 
Some will say the vision and strategies outlined are idealistic and unrealistic, especially given the current economy and the City’s budget.  I disagree. I believe they provide Oakland with much needed vision, leadership, and hope.  I also know the only certain way to not reach a goal is to not try.  This plan describes a vision for Oakland and the Oakland Police .

dowd006183 This message is excerpted from the OPD strategic framework.