Oakland officials tout drop in crime in 2025, say investments are working

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland city leaders attributed an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to fighting crime and crime prevention as one of the reasons for the huge drop in crime statistics for 2025.

"Because of this work, pedestrian fatalities for this quarter are down from seven in 2023, to zero in 2025. Zero!" says Mayor Barbara Lee to applauds from the crowd.

"The data tells a story. Robberies are down. Firearm robberies have been cut in half. Carjackings are down by 50%. Commercial burglaries are down by 47%. Vehicle theft is down my 39%. And this all happens when we have smart budgeting," says Oakland City Council President, Kevin Jenkins.

City leaders say amidst tough budget cuts, investments in public safety were prioritized with targeted investments in sideshow detail, the ceasefire program, combating human trafficking and the Department of Violence Prevention.

"We work to identify and engage the individual most likely to draw or drive gun violence. Our violence interrupters work day and night to mediate conflicts before they become violent. And prevent retaliation during highly vulnerable moments," says Dr. Holly Joshi, Chief of the Department of Violence Prevention. "Every single gang and group homicide that has occurred in the City of Oakland, violence interpreters and life coaches have work to prevent retaliatory violence. And the vast majority of those have been successful."

MORE: New Oakland police data shows crime trending downward in 2025, but some critics are skeptical

"Of note, in 2025, our homicide section cleared 95% of all cases. So that is a message for everyone out there: If you engage in violent crime, we will catch you," says Interim Police Chief James Beere.

Chief Beere says Oakland reached milestone in 2025 with just 67 homicides - the lowest number in decades. Though there have been five fatalities in Oakland since the start of 2026.

Critics point to underreporting as a reason why crime stats may be trending downward. Chief Beere admits underreporting historically has been an issue in Oakland. But he says the use of technology is helping to bridge the gap.

"We are utilizing technology to report crimes that in the past that have not been reported, such as ShotSpotter. We are utilizing the automated license plate reader to proactively investigate robberies to include assaults as well as burglaries. And the sideshow," explains Chief Beere.

For years, Oakland's 911 system has failed to meet state standards with some of the worst answer times in California. The city says investments in technology and hiring has helped to improve call times.

"Two-and-a-half-years ago, we had 20 vacancies. Now, hovering between three and six vacancies, I think it's a sign that we are moving in the right direction forward," says City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran.