Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price initiated the Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Team in response to the escalating issue of organized retail theft (ORT) in California today. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office (ACDAO) had previously received a two million dollar grant in September, enabling the formation of this dedicated team.

A total of 13 district attorneys' offices across California, including Alameda County, got funding for setting similar units, with DA Price's proposal for ACDAO ranking second among all submissions. From 31 City Police Departments roped in for ORT Prevention Grants, Fremont and Newark Police Departments belong, to Alameda County.

Oakland City Councilwoman Carroll Fife highlighted the importance of the program, stating, "While small businesses are the backbone of Oakland’s economy, we have seen a rollback in federal and state level pandemic support well before our communities have recovered." She also acknowledged the need for strategies to have, a broader range of resources and initiatives encompassing affordable commercial rents, low-interest business financing, robust infrastructure, city services, and violence prevention services targeting at-risk communities, as per the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.