The People’s Data - Oakland
A Safer Oakland is Emerging. Let's See it Together.
Truth. Transparency. Power in Numbers.
Oakland is experiencing a historic drop in crime, with double-digit decreases across the board. But we know that for many, it doesn't feel that way. This project is about closing the gap between the data and our daily lives. We provide clear facts and honest context to build a shared foundation for an informed conversation about public safety.
The Challenge
The Gap Between
Data and Perception
Oakland is often portrayed through alarming headlines, but the reality is more complex. The People’s Data – Oakland was created to close the gap between perception and reality in our city’s public safety story.
We deliver truth, transparency, and power in numbers by providing clear, up-to-date crime data, explained in plain language and backed by transparent sources. Beyond the numbers, we put data in context, dispel myths, and highlight solutions and programs that work.
Our approach is rooted in community: collecting feedback, listening to lived experiences, and amplifying collective concerns. Instead of amplifying noise or fear, we surface patterns and insights that help residents, media, and policymakers work from a shared foundation of facts.
Because when Oakland begins with the same truth, we can move toward lasting solutions — together.
The People’s Data is a project of The Motley Collective, created to ensure communities have access to transparent, reliable information about crime and safety in Oakland.
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Power in Voices!
Numbers only tell part of Oakland’s story. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are invited to share their experiences and concerns to help build a fuller picture of public safety. Submissions are anonymous by choice, and insights will be summarized collectively and never tied to individual names.
We are committed to your privacy. The information you provide through this form will be used solely for its intended purpose and will not be shared with or sold to any third parties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the conversation about public safety can be complex. Here are the facts behind some common perceptions and narratives.
Is this crime reduction just part of a national trend?
While crime is falling nationally, Oakland’s progress significantly outpaces the average. The city’s 42% reduction in robbery and 47% reduction in motor vehicle theft are far greater than the national decreases of 20% and 25%, respectively. This strong outperformance shows that specific local strategies are having a powerful, amplifying effect.
Why don't I feel safer if the numbers are down?
This is a critical issue. The gap between data and perception is often fueled by systemic challenges, like police 911 response times, which have been a known problem. While call answering times have improved dramatically in 2025 (73% answered within 15 seconds vs. 50% in 2024), the city is still working to improve officer dispatch times. This project aims to provide transparency on both the successes and the ongoing challenges.
Is Oakland just ‘cooking the books’ on crime stats?
No. OPD crime reports follow FBI and DOJ standards. The data is audited, submitted to state and federal databases, and compared across years. That said, not every crime gets reported — which means the numbers reflect documented incidents, not every lived experience. Transparency about both the strengths and limits of the data is part of why this site exists.
Is it true that gun violence is still out of control?
While much work remains, targeted strategies are yielding measurable results. The combination of homicides and firearm assaults has fallen by 31% (2024 YTD vs. 2025 YTD). Furthermore, Oakland’s Ceasefire program is rated as ‘Effective’ by the U.S. Department of Justice for its proven ability to reduce shootings.
Who is responsible for this turnaround?
The success is not the result of any single leader or policy. It’s a synergy between revitalized law enforcement strategies under Chief Mitchell, a prosecutorial pivot from the DA’s office under Ursula Jones Dickson, and the long-standing, public health-based Ceasefire program. Mayor Barbara Lee, who took office in May 2025, has been a crucial champion in sustaining and integrating these efforts.
What is the “perception gap,” and why does it matter?
The perception gap is the disconnect between what the data shows and what residents feel. Even with crime down, most Oaklanders don’t feel safer. That matters because fear shapes daily decisions — whether to open a business, let kids walk to school, or attend community events. Closing this gap requires both continued progress on crime and rebuilding trust.
Why does it still feel dangerous in certain neighborhoods?
Citywide data can hide local realities. Some neighborhoods carry heavier burdens of violence and disorder than others. Even when overall numbers fall, a single block with repeated incidents can feel unsafe. That’s why we break down the data and listen to lived experiences alongside statistics.
The Strategy
A Comprehensive Plan for a Safer City
Oakland's success is not an accident. It's the product of a powerful synergy between three distinct, yet deeply interconnected, strategic pillars.
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Revitalized Law Enforcement
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has implemented proactive, data-driven policing and targeted enforcement against high-impact crimes like illegal sideshows and robberies.
Public Health-Based Intervention
The city is using the evidence-based Ceasefire strategy, which focuses on providing intensive support and services to the small number of individuals most at risk of committing or becoming victims of gun violence.
A Prosecutorial Pivot
The Alameda County District Attorney's Office has implemented policy changes that prioritize stricter accountability for violent and repeat offenders, a move credited with enhancing deterrence.
Community & Business Partnerships
This progress is a shared effort. Local businesses and community groups are crucial partners in building a safer, more vibrant Oakland.
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Business Community Initiatives
The Oakland Metro Chamber has spearheaded initiatives like the Downtown Oakland Partnership and led the passage of Measure NN to help reduce crime.
Community Safety Ambassadors
This citywide program fosters trust and collaboration in neighborhoods, working in partnership with Oakland's Business Improvement Districts to enhance public safety.
Major Employer Investment
Oakland's 'Big Four' employers, Kaiser Permanente, Clorox, Blue Shield of California, and PG&E, have committed $10 million for downtown safety improvements.
Mayor Barbara Lee's First 100 Days In Office
Are Oakland’s streets getting safer? Our 100-day check on Mayor Barbara Lee cuts through the noise with clear data, what changed, and what still needs work, from drops in robbery and auto theft to 911 progress and lingering gaps. Dive in to see the numbers and what to watch next.