How both Police and Community Members can better understand the problem and take action
Preface To ANN’s Third Audio Interview With APD’s Police Chief
HEAR THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW AT BOTTOM OF STORY
A national and local tsunami sized surge in car thefts, vehicle break-ins and stolen catalytic converters has many Alameda residents experiencing an equivalent spike of tempers, frustration and even feelings of futility.
One unfortunate East End resident witnessed 3 different attempts to steal his vehicle over a three year period, only to have salt rubbed in the wound by a break-in of his van and the theft of work tools and other valuables just one day before this interview was conducted with Chief Joshi.
Alameda’s current vehicle theft rate is on track to double from that of 2021-22.
In this interview, Chief Joshi acknowledges and details the severity of the problem and specifies what more his department is doing and what concerned and involved residents can to help turn the tide.
The increase of Alameda’s police force by about 30%, or around 15 persons, over the next half year or so will, he said, also help make a dent with respect to deployment strategies which he details in this episode.
The Chief also provides additional detail and insight on a number of particular incidents conveyed by several Alameda residents, including one that involved a citizen hopping into his pickup truck in pursuit of a suspected car thief who fired his gun while fleeing along Fernside Bl. in Alameda last spring.
While the actions of the civilian helped APD identify the vehicle, give chase and make an eventual arrest of one of the suspects, –he now faces multiple felony charges pending prosecution by The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office– Joshi makes clear that private civilians should not put themselves, and possibly others, in harm’s way when it comes to handling criminal incidents.
He also provides valuable advice on what more people can do to help bring the crime numbers down and addresses the reluctance, skepticism or cynicism of those who believe that it ‘does not do any good’ to call APD when witnessing suspicious or potential criminal activity, and that they ‘ don’t care, won’t show up or won’t do anything.’
Joshi details how APD uses each and every suspected crime related call with respect to policing strategy and apprehension of suspects and how License Plate Readers (LPR’s) stationed at various locales in the city (now “99% in place and operational” he said) have provided a tangible benefit despite the doubts of many, including elected officials and lay persons, as to their merit or ethics.
Since the vast majority of crimes, about 80%, are committed by just 20% of offenders, the Chief emphasizes that there is much that the community as a whole can do to help identify the repeat suspects and get them off the streets.
Those means range from learning the tools and tips on how to provide police useful information to inculcating community supportive values of honesty and civility by families , institutions, groups and others, as you will hear.
(An in-depth look at LPR’s will be the focus of another episode in this series)
LISTEN HERE: