Oakland leaders tout declines in murder and crime rates

OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland police and politicians speak Friday morning at St. Columba Catholic Church to discuss the nearly 30% drop in homicides this year compared to 2023.

The location of the press conference is significant.

Every year, Father Aidan McAleenan places a cross in front of his church on San Pablo Avenue to honor every person killed in homicide in the city.

This year, Oakland officials said he was on track to make fewer than 100 crosses for the first time since 2019.

Oakland leaders said the ceasefire strategy was developed in 2012 at St. Columba Catholic Church.

Oakland saw a 33% decrease in murders and a 37% decrease in overall crime this year, according to a news release from the mayor's office.

Ceasefire has now become a national model, using human intelligence and data collected on the streets to focus on the small group of people most likely to commit or become victims of gun violence.

The program has three main goals: to reduce gang shootings and homicides by focusing on the small group of people who commit these crimes; Reduce recidivism and incarceration rates by offering vulnerable groups real alternatives such as jobs, social services and life coaching; and strengthen police-community relationships.

The press conference will be broadcast live at 9:30 a.m. McAleenan, Mayor Sheng Thao, James Beere, Deputy Police Chief James Beere and Department of Violence Prevention Director Holly Joshi will be in attendance.