pages: CityCouncil/2021-09-21.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2021-09-21 | 15 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer outlined the previous Interim Police Chief's shooting report for prior years; stated that she believes there is a reason to be concerned about the number of shootings. The Police Chief stated the numbers show a significant increase as opposed to prior years. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for future reports including the current number of shootings. Councilmember Knox White stated traffic fatalities have gone down from the previous year; however, last year's traffic fatalities were a 10-year high; the trend is not down, the trend is up; the likely way for someone to be injured or killed in Alameda is to be hit by a car; public safety needs to include a focus of resources on places where the greatest harm will be; the Police will not be able to stop shootings; Alameda is doing a great job in following up on matters; the City is working regionally; expressed concern about speeding; stated that he would like to ensure Council is not losing focus leading to the greater harm in the community by chasing down numbers and not paying attention to what can be done; expressed support for a maintained focus on safety and creating safety. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the increase in shootings and automobile-related deaths are terrifying; there are more interventions to perform on the auto-related injuries and fatalities; inquired whether there are ways for APD to prevent shootings other than Council taking action on gun control legislation; noted California already has strong gun control; it is fair to say too many guns are present; inquired how APD can address the issue; questioned whether it is better to apprehend individuals that commit crimes using guns. The Police Chief responded the approach is multi-faceted; stated a shooting is less likely to happen when a Police Officer is present; APD has a finite number of Officers; Officers cannot be placed everywhere in order to prevent all shootings from happening; people make calculated risks when choosing to use a firearm in a crime; planned shootings usually take calculated risks; some people are less thoughtful about risk in the heat of the moment; those with the propensity for violence can be taken and held accountable through enforcement, which prevents re-offending; the solution is not as simple as saying the Police can solely resolve it; a multi-faceted approach must be taken; the Police can take a role by being present and preventing crimes from happening; however, Officers cannot be in every location at all times; those involved in shootings can be held accountable; underlying issues causing people to choose crime might include social issues; people are desperate and chances will be taken when hope is lost; social services being available as an option can help change choices; some people will not make the choice even when social services are made available; expressed support for trying every effort to ensure resources are available to people so that they are less likely to offend; enforcement is an option to hold people accountable. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 21, 2021 11 | CityCouncil/2021-09-21.pdf |