Oakland's Hegenberger Corridor, a stretch once notorious for crime, is getting a safety facelift due to a joint effort by public agencies. The City of Oakland, Port of Oakland, Alameda County Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol have announced a reduction in property crimes and jackings and a concerted push to enhance public safety measures further. Since mid-2023, initiatives have reportedly led to a significant drop in crime rates including a 63% decrease in auto burglaries, according to a report published by Oakland's official website.
The multifaceted approach involves ramped-up patrols by Oakland police officers along the 98th Avenue and Hegenberger Corridor, increased foot patrols, and the deployment of Safety Ambassadors to engage with merchants and the homeless. These efforts are not going unnoticed, as the city sees a 49% decrease in larceny and thefts. "The collaborative efforts between the City of Oakland, Port of Oakland, and our public safety partners in the California Highway Patrol and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is delivering results and is an example of good government at work," Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was quoted on the city's website.
This crime-fighting recipe includes added security cameras and eye-in-the-sky tech to keep a bird's eye view of the corridor's activities. The California Highway Patrol recovered 360 stolen vehicles in February alone and seized 16 crimes-related firearms. A partnership with the Port of Oakland has also resulted in a renewed contract to maintain vigilant security services at the Oakland International Airport.
The city puts a spotlight on community engagement through its Safety Ambassador Program. Featuring a team of 12 plus a diverse array of specialists, they provide a visible safety presence, peddling goodwill and support up and down the Hegenberger Corridor. “‘Community keeping community safe’ is a model that invests in community members here in East Oakland to become Safety Ambassadors in the very neighborhood they live in, conducting outreach, offering creative problem solving, and connecting residents and local businesses to resources," Carolyn Johnson, CEO of the Black Cultural Zone, told the official Oakland website. Police Department Assistant Chief Tony Jones echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of partnership in these efforts.
Businesses are also feeling the impact of these safety measures. "The quick deployment of Ambassadors in the Hegenberger corridor has provided much-needed additional safety personnel to help us address the critical issues in this area," said Bill Crottinger, President of Argent Materials and Chair of the Hegenberger Owners and Operators Group, in a statement on the Oakland city website.
