On Tuesday, March 22, the Oakland Police Department held a press conference in which they renewed their commitment to the Ceasefire strategy.
Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, and Pastor Michael Wallace, Co-Chair of Faith in Action East Bay discussed the Oakland Ceasefire Strategy.
“Ceasefire is back stronger than ever in the year 2022 in Oakland. We have staffed up our Ceasefire unit,” said Oakland Mayor Schaaf. “I want to end by acknowledging Faith in Action. This beautiful coalition of our faith-based community is the organization that demanded Oakland adopt the Ceasefire strategy years ago.”
Also present were Faith in Action East Bay Ceasefire leaders Patty Hall and Terry McWilliams as well as board co-chair Pastor Jim Hopkins.
Chief Armstrong affirmed the commitment. “Ceasefire continues to be our primary strategy for addressing gun violence in the City of Oakland. I want to be clear when I say that the Ceasefire strategy has been truly effective. The fact that we have had a reduction in homicides is a result of the Ceasefire strategy. The fact that we’ve seen a reduction in the gang violence is a result of the Ceasefire strategy. The fact that we’ve had so many people called into meetings and accept services is a result of the Ceasefire strategy.”
Chief Armstrong acknowledge the partnerships with community, in particular, Oakland faith communities. He credited the weekly Ceasefire Night Walks with helping to make Oakland a safer city.
Pastor Wallace spoke directly to those who may be at risk of engaging in gun violence. “We as faith leaders will do our part. We are here for you, here for the families, here for the individuals. Reach out to us. We can guide you and direct you in a way that you can get the help that you need.”