Jeff Baker says Measure Y is working but Oakland may lose unique public safety program

Oakland is often in the headlines for its crime, but it’s also a leader in devising a new strategy to address public safety:  it’s called Measure Y and the voters passed it in 2004.

The measure was a parcel tax to beef up the city’s public safety services and make them focus more on preventing crime in Oakland.

As part of Measure Y, $9 million a year was to go to funding 63 police officers who were specifically dedicated to interacting with citizens and community groups.  The measure also funds services for young people.

Jeff Baker, Oakland assistant city administrator, is in charge of evaluating the effectiveness of Measure Y.

“There’s no doubt that this is the model that each and every city throughout the country will eventually use,” Baker said. “It’s a balance between programming and problem solving officers.  We are moving our police model to proactive and violence prevention is geared toward high risk youth and adults.”

He says its working very well at decreasing crime in Oakland, but there are some thorny problems with the complicated Measure.

If the number of Oakland police officers drops below 739, Measure Y is no longer in effect.  And, earlier this month, the Oakland city council decided to lay off 80 officers to help close a $50 million budget gap, so the city is no longer in compliance with Measure Y. 

There’s a plan to go to voters again this fall to amend the Measure and provide additional funding.

Baker talked about how these recent layoffs affect Measure Y.