Oakland police chief says new crime plan has led to reduction in homicides, shootings

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The City of Oakland saw a spike a in gun violence in late Sept., which prompted Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong to implement a new crime plan.

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According to the Oakland Police Department, the new, all-hands-on-deck approach includes adding more officers to the criminal investigation unit and more foot patrols, along with the controversial new traffic motor unit. There is also continued focus on the city's ceasefire strategy.

Armstrong says it is working. He says both violent crimes and homicides have dropped 50%. And they have recovered more than 1,300 firearms, which Armstrong says is a record.

"We will finish this year with a decline in homicides. And what is more significant is a 25% decline in overall shootings," Chief Armstrong said.

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