Gavin Newsom calls for Oakland officials to amend 'extreme' policy restricting vehicle pursuits

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: Gov Gavin Newsom called upon Oakland officials to reconsider an "extreme" policy of the Oakland Police Department (OPD) that restricts law enforcement officials from chasing suspected criminals in the city even in cases of "violent forcible crimes," Fox News reported on Friday, July 26.

The move comes after the Democratic leader announced increasing California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Oakland to conduct surge operations targeting organized crime, sideshows, carjackings, and other criminal activities. It led to the arrests of several suspects, claimed Newsom.

Gavin Newsom's letter to Oakland officials

In a letter to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, the Oakland City Council, and the Oakland Police Commission, Newsom wrote, "Although some California jurisdictions allow vehicle pursuits for only certain crimes (eg, felonies), Oakland is an outlier by imposing exceptional restrictions on OPD's ability to police criminal activity, generally permitting pursuits only for 'violent forcible crimes', as defined in OPD's policy, and crimes involving firearms."

"I am mindful of the sensitivities around vehicle pursuits, which can be dangerous to police, suspects, and innocent bystanders. California's Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training recognizes and addresses this in its standard-setting guidance. But there is also an extreme danger to the public in allowing criminals to act with impunity, and the reckless driving associated with sideshows and other criminal acts is a significant threat to public safety — as witnessed regularly by the public in viral videos and news coverage."

Referring to the arrests made by increasing CHP, Newsom continued, "In the course of the CHP’s operations, however, they have observed, based on their professional law enforcement experience and expertise, certain dynamics that are contributing to Oakland's public safety challenges. In particular, the CHP has brought to my attention that they observed criminals often fleeing with impunity because it’s common knowledge that the Oakland Police Department’s (OPD) pursuit policy allows vehicle pursuits in only very limited circumstances."

While the observed suspects attempted to flee using routes where OPD would stop chasing them, they were unable to outrun the CHP whose resources included air support, shared the Governor.

"Any policy on vehicle pursuits must be clear-eyed in balancing the risks and benefits involved. Because of Oakland's public safety challenges and the degree to which OPD's pursuit policy is an outlier among California law enforcement agencies, I support the recent action by the City Council to direct a review of this policy," read Newsom's letter.

"I urge you to reconsider whether OPD should be permitted to pursue suspects in more circumstances to improve public safety in your city and to establish a process to evaluate whether OPD is making full use of its authority, including that granted under the existing pursuit policy, to protect public safety and enforce the law," he added.

Internet claims Gavin Newsom is preparing for 2028 election

The Democratic governor's tough-on-crime stance has sent netizens over the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) speculating over the underlying reason. While some suggest he is starting to understand the problem, others claim that the move is to prepare his rhetoric while running for the White House in 2028.

"Oh look, Gavin is finally getting it," tweeted a user.

"Because obviously they are catching too many criminals," quipped another.

"Gavin is prepping for 2028. He knows he needs to separate himself from his policies," commented a third.

"Election season = tough on crime performative bullshit," jibed a fourth.

"He doesn’t care really," claimed a fifth.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.