California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to deploy lawyers from the California National Guard to handle prosecutions in Alameda County, which includes Oakland. Newsom’s office provided information about the delays caused by Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, which has affected CalGuard’s deployment. This has brought attention to the state of the district attorney’s office.
The rate of violent crime in Alameda County saw a significant increase of 188% in 2023 when compared to the previous year. Notably, a significant portion of this increase, accounting for 74%, was concentrated in Oakland. In this city, the rate of violent crime rose by an alarming 237% compared to 2022.
In February, Governor Newsom extended support to Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price by offering the assistance of the California National Guard and lawyers from the California Department of Justice. The alarming rise in crime rates in Oakland has reached such a critical level that offices are advising employees against leaving the building for lunch due to safety concerns. Additionally, fast food chains are being forced to close down otherwise profitable locations.
On July 10, a letter was sent from Newsom’s office to Price’s office, expressing disappointment that the resources offered had not been utilized despite previous outreach efforts. The letter provides information on how CalGuard submitted a draft memorandum to initiate operations shortly after Newsom’s announcement in February. It also mentions that in April, CalGuard expressed its willingness to be deputized under Price’s office.
“After several months of communications, including fulfilling requests from your office for resumes and interviews, you have not taken the initial steps of finalizing the memorandum of understanding or deputizing Cal Guard attorneys to work in your office,” Newsom’s office wrote.
Newsom has agreed with Price, which is based on a successful Cal Guard deployment of lawyers to San Francisco.
“Today we’re advancing accountability and justice for East Bay communities, by quickly securing an agreement to provide additional resources to prosecute criminal behavior,” said Newsom in a statement on the finalized agreement.
Last week, Newsom called on the City of Oakland to reevaluate its policy regarding the restrictions placed on the Oakland Police Department’s pursuit of criminals.
Source- The Center Square
Also Read: Pritzker Signs 59 Bills Into Law, Including Changes to Biometric Privacy Act