The police union representing officers in Oakland, California, is demanding the immediate resignation of Mayor Sheng Thao, citing insufficient resources for law enforcement to effectively address reports of criminal activity.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Oakland Police Officer’s Association president Huy Nguyen stated that the union is calling for Thao to step down due to “numerous failures in this city,” which include rising crime rates, a budget crisis, and disruptions caused by an FBI raid that hinder the city’s functionality, as reported by KTVU.
“Every day, our citizens experience tragedies. They feel unsafe leaving their homes or walking the streets of Oakland, often calling 911 without receiving the necessary assistance,” Nguyen added.
He emphasized that officers are facing challenges in responding to every emergency call, leading to slower response times due to the police department’s understaffing.
FBI RAIDS HOME CONNECTED TO OAKLAND MAYOR SHENG THAO DAY AFTER RECALL EFFORT QUALIFIES FOR BALLOT
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao addresses the press at Oakland City Hall in Oakland, California, on Monday, April 15, 2024, following an FBI raid at her residence. (Getty Images)
“We lack the necessary resources,” he noted.
In a video statement released later on Tuesday, Thao responded to Nguyen’s remarks, asserting that crime in Oakland has actually decreased.
“It’s regrettable that the POA is resorting to politics,” Thao stated. “In these sensitive times, we need to unite. Our comprehensive approach to public safety is proving effective.”
The mayor highlighted her budget’s focus on public safety, funding new police academies and preserving 80 police positions; however, the police union claimed these measures are insufficient.
“We need to invest more in the city, hire additional police officers, retain current officers, and address the crime problem. This is what we expect from the next mayor,” said Oakland POA vice president Tim Dolan.
CALIFORNIA CITY EXPERIENCING ‘PERFECT STORM’ OF CRIME AND SCANDAL: ‘VACUUM OF LEADERSHIP’
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao reacts while presenting her first State of the City address at City Hall in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. (Getty Images)
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Efforts are underway to recall Thao, though the police union is encouraging her to resign to conserve the time and resources that a recall would expend.
“If she resigns by this week, the election could occur in November, rather than waiting for the recall process, which would push it to April, prolonging a situation we need to address immediately with the new budget,” Nguyen explained.
This call for action follows a series of recent shootings, including one on Sunday at a sideshow near Fruitvale Ave. and MacArthur Blvd. that injured five people.
In a separate incident on Monday in West Oakland, two teenagers and one adult were hospitalized due to gunfire.
