Oakland is ramping up for a safe slide into 2024, with the police department set to strengthen their grip on public safety during New Year's Eve celebrations. Revelers in Oakland will see an uptick in police presence as they bid farewell to 2023, thanks to the Oakland Police Department (OPD)’s strategic safety measures detailed in a recent announcement.
Those planning to indulge in the night's festivities are warned to think twice before getting behind the wheel. The OPD is rolling out DUI checkpoints across the city to combat and to hopefully prevent impaired driving. "To deter and prevent impaired driving, the Oakland Police Department will be conducting DUI checkpoints at strategic locations throughout the city," confirmed OPD in a statement on their official Facebook page. Partygoers are encouraged to plan ahead for a sober ride home.
New Year's Eve is set to bring fireworks and an amplified level of police staffing. The OPD assures a rapid response for potential emergencies and a swifter handling of 9-1-1 calls. This increased police presence is all a part of their commitment to a peaceful transition into the coming year.
Alongside the usual patrols, officers are expected to engage with those celebrating in the community actively. "There will be an increase in police patrols throughout the city, focusing on key areas and NYE events," shared OPD, as they expressed their desire to create positive interactions and effectively address public concerns. Also on the radar is the discouragement of celebratory gunfire, which has been urged to be immediately reported by the locals.
OPD is also cracking down on sideshows, illegal gatherings known for spinning stunts, and reckless driving that endanger lives. The prevention and prompt dispersal of such events have been prioritized to keep the streets safe for everyone celebrating the New Year.
The police department calls for community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, urging residents to use the non-emergency line. With the aim of ensuring a joyous and safe celebration for all in Oakland, the OPD concludes, "On behalf of the Oakland Police Department, we wish you a happy and safe New Year's Eve celebration," as per the statement on their Facebook page.
