Common Threads for Better Public Safety in Oakland.
[March 1, 2008]

The desire for positive change.  We all seek change.  Public Safety is not a situation with a line drawn for competing of forces on one side who want change, and another that doesn’t.  While there are some who say that those in office or long term assignments are invested in status-quo and must be thus replaced, that is not necessarily true and contrary to reason.  It is precisely long term experience that should most benefit a force for change.  We can’t go forward without knowing where we are, and we don’t know where we are unless we know where we’ve been.  Experience is that timeline.  The energy for change, as Mayor Dellums pointed out in his “Superman” admonition, does not rest with one person.  The sufficiency for change is only possible when harnessing the collective energies of all who wish it into common directions.  This is an ideal, begging for reality in Oakland.

Getting It Together.  Each of the facets engaged separately for Public Safety in Oakland is defensible and deserving credit for effort.    City Government and City Operations have all been working with every intention and motivation to do well.  Police Administration and Operations have been segmented, albeit foundering, into many well intentioned functions profoundly interested in lowering crime and making the neighborhoods safe.  However, collectively the entire system of government has appeared fragmented, disconnected, and to be making ad hoc efforts.  With a common Vision for Oakland, Oakland can now get it together.

Three Years of Trying.  The beginning of 2005 found Oakland in a very promising position, with three major impactful changes having just occurred:  (1) The Negotiated Settlement Agreement, determined to properly spark the culture of OPD, entered a stage of forceful renewed effort;  (2) Measure Y was enacted and ready to roll;  (3) The Police Department had a new Police Chief, a new administration, and new priorities.  This point in time, the end of 2004 and the beginning of “change,” allows Oakland a benchmark to set the bar for measureable progress.  Changes can be seen with meaningful metrics.  In other words, change can be welcomed as the measurement of it will determine where we should focus and direct our efforts.

Information Is the Key.  Lack of information is the calcification of fragmentation.  In this Information Age, we can and must, have all components of Public Safety lubricated with accessible, relevant, credible, and timely information.  We must all be working for progress in the same frames of reference.

New Thoughts for Old Problems.   Incremental progress with tried and true thinking is most prudent and lasting for the long term.  To experiment with short term changes, however, is to invite new, bold, and refreshing thinking.  There is little risk in evolutionary status quo, and considerable risk in exercising innovation, unless we can invite and manage a blend of the two.  We must temper eagerness and impatience within the framework of governance.  The best steel for progress will be forged over new coals fired in the old faithful furnace.

Now Is the Time for Effective governance.  With sufficient information, the propriety and faithfulness resident in the minds of experience partnered with persons intent on new innovative and creative thinking, and with an excitement for concerted harmony – we may benefit from change… (a) The City Council may confidently set enter new and responsive paths for Policy innovation.  (b) The Mayor may marshal the forces of Operations, in a setting of enthusiasm and confidence, and effectively execute those policies.  (c) The City Attorney and City Auditor may harness the teams of progress with Lawful direction and open Performance review.  (d) City employees, especially those of OPD, may renew their efforts with the vigor of challenge and purpose.  (e)  The assemblies of citizen support may rise to the occasion with a sense of conjoined purpose and determination. (f)  The Vision for a Better Oakland may become palpable and tangible. (g) Existing citizens will wish to stay, prior citizens will wish to return, and new citizens and businesses will wish to become a part of a flourishing Oakland.