Oakland’s new police chief announced with the mayor the city’s plans to create two new positions to build connections with non-english speaking communities.

The plan includes two new police liaisons for the two largest non-English speaking communities in the city in Chinatown and Fruitvale. Once filled, these positions will report directly to Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong.

“When I was sworn in last week, I pledged to the Oakland community that OPD would protect and serve, reduce crime and build trusting relationships in our community,” said Armstrong. “The liaison’s role is designed to bridge cultural gaps and language barriers, open the channels of communication, work together to build trusting relationships, and increase community safety.”

Armstrong said the positions were created in part in response to Chinatown residents being targeted for crimes against them based on perceived race or nationality. These neighborhood-based positions will join
other police liaisons for the African American Community, LGBTQ+ Community and Muslim Community.

Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf also pledged to fasttrack grants for additional security cameras for Chinatown
and announced a $30,000 private grant to the Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay.

The city’s announcement also included expressions of support from community leaders for these measures.

“We appreciate the creation of this dedicated resource for Chinatown and our Chinese-speaking residents, particularly our seniors,” said Carl Chan, of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

“Having a dedicated Spanish-speaking officer in Fruitvale, along with Oakland’s sanctuary policies, will increase our
Spanish-speaking residents’ sense of safety,” said Chris Iglesias, CEO of the Unity Council.

Kiki

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