Oakland needs 877 police officers, report says

PFM Group Consulting's draft report reveals that the Oakland Police Department (OPD) requires 877 officers to effectively manage its current service levels, which is 277 more than budgeted for this fiscal year. The city currently employs 675 officers, with only 600 budgeted, leading to significant operational challenges. The report highlights a staffing shortfall of 140 officers in patrol divisions and 59 in the Bureau of Investigations. Over the past five years, OPD's budgeted staff has decreased by approximately 10%, increasing the burden on existing officers. Oakland ranks low in sworn staffing compared to similar cities, contributing to its highest property crime rate and second-highest violent crime rate among peer cities.

Inspector General Zurvohn Maloof emphasized that the report's conclusions are preliminary and subject to revision. The authors clarified that their findings are intended to guide decision-making rather than provide a definitive staffing formula. These staffing shortages raise concerns about public safety and the well-being of officers.