1. What can I do about cars and trucks parked in front of my house?
If a vehicle is blocking your driveway or parked in your parking stall, call police non-emergency at 777-3333.
An officer will be dispatched to cite and/or tow the vehicle as appropriate.
To report abandoned vehicles parked on the street for over 72 hours, call the Abandoned Auto Detail at 238-6030.
For additional information about abandoned vehicles and the Abandoned Auto Detail, see the Abandoned Auto Detail page.
2. What should I do if I see someone spraying graffiti or committing some other minor violation?
If the crime is not life threatening, you should call police non-emergency at 777-3333.
An officer will be dispatched as soon as possible.
In emergencies, call 911.
You should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible about the suspect(s), including information identifying or describing the sup sect(s) sex, race, age, height and weight, and clothing.
3. How do I report a crime or report a traffic accident?
In non-emergency situations, call police non-emergency at 777-3333.
For crimes which are in progress or traffic accidents in which someone is injured, call 911.
4. Should I install a burglar alarm in my house?
While a burglar alarm does not guarantee protection, it is a valuable deterrent to potential burglars.
Call the Community Services Residential Security Unit at 238-3068 for more information on burglar alarms and other crime deterring tools.
Also, check out the page, How to Stop Residential Burglary, on this web site.
5. What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?
Call the Traffic Operations Division at 238-3155.
Depending on the nature of the problem, a traffic survey may be conducted and enforcement action taken.
Additionally, the Department has warning radar enforcement equipment, which may be used in areas experiencing speeding problems.
6. How do I check on the status of my crime investigation?
You can call the Criminal Investigation Division at 238-3744.
The staff will locate the assigned investigator who will be able to assist you.
You should provide the last name of the complainant, the type of crime, and the report number, if known.
7. How can I protest a parking ticket?
Contact the City of Oakland Parking Violations Bureau, PO box 12908, Oakland, CA 94604-2908.
Or call 451-0423.
8. How do I get a copy of a Crime Report?
Crime reports are available under the Public Information Act.
Unless there is a staffing problem, the Records Section at the Police Administration Building is open every day of the year from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.
To obtain a crime report, you must complete a request stating your name, address, and phone number; the report required; the name of the complainant; and the date and time of the incident.
You may write a letter containing the above information to the Records Section, Oakland Police Department, 455 Seventh Street, Oakland, CA 94607.
The Government Code and case law restrict the supplying of crime reports in certain circumstances. Circumstances include when an on-going investigation could be compromised, when the safety of persons could be jeopardized, or when investigative techniques might be disclosed. The release of information regarding juveniles is also restricted.
Citizens should call 510-238-3021 before coming in so they can be informed of the circumstances under which releases for reports or vehicles are made and any fees required.
9. Under what circumstances should I call 911?
Call 911 in emergency situations when a persons's safety is endangered or a crime is in progress.
For other routine business calls, call police non-emergency at 777-3333.
There are a limited number of 911 lines available, and it is important for citizens to use the 911 lines only in emergencies.
10. If I call 911, how does the dispatcher know where I live?
The Department's Communications Division is equipped with enhanced 911 equipment, which automatically provides dispatchers with the address from which any 911 call is made.
The dispatcher will still ask you the address from which you are calling to ensure emergency services are sent to the correct location.
11. How do i see my arrest record?
The Police Department does not provide information on arrest records.
The information is available from the Alameda County Consolidated Criminal Records Bureau, 311 W. Winston, Hayward, CA 94544. The telephone number is 510-667-3685.
12. How do I get information about crime prevention?
For residential security information, call Residential Security at 510-777-8555.
For commercial security information, call Commercial Security at 510-777-8573.
Residential and Commercial Security are part of the Community Services Section.
13. How do I start of join a neighborhood watch?
The Community Services Section coordinates Home Alert and Neighborhood Watch programs in the City. Call 510-777-8555.
14. How do I make a citizen's complaint or report outstanding performance by an officer or employee?
Complaints may be made in person to the Internal Affairs Division, 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite C, Oakland, CA 94612. The toll free hotline for Internal Affairs is 866-214-8834.
Additionally, complaints may be made directly to the Citizen Police Review Board at 510-238-3159.
A complaint form (.pdf file) is also available for download by clicking here.
Reporting outstanding performance by officers or employees is best accomplished by sending a letter to the Office of Chief of Police, 455 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 or by calling 510-238-3131.
15. If I have been involved in a collision and want a copy of the Police Report, what should I do?
Collision reports are available in the Traffic Investigations Unit between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. Tuesday through Friday.
There is a $12.50 fee for each report.
16. To make my house/business safe, I want to have it checked for locks and window latches. Whom do I call?
For assistance and advice on anti-theft protection for residential and commercial security, call the Community Services Section at 510-777-8573.
17. In my neighborhood, sometimes I see things that are out of place or unusual or people who are "suspicious." Can you tell me what I should do?
The police rely on citizens to observe and report suspicious activities or persons.
If you are concerned about unusual occurrences or people in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call the Police Department.
The non-emergency telephone number is 777-3333.
18. I keep getting annoying "hang up" phone calls. Nothing is ever said and it's driving me crazy. What can I do?
Making annoying phone calls is a crime under California law.
Call the non-emergency number at 777-3333 for a report. The dispatcher will provide you with information on working with the phone company to eliminate the problem.
Once a report has been made, the phone company can assist you in tracing and / or blocking calls.