Calls for service decrease; arrests, low-level force use, pursuits increase
The Alameda Police Auditor [1] is an independent position that works to ensure the Alameda Police Department (APD [2]) is held to the highest standards and is in compliance with law and departmental policies. This includes preparing reports that review internal affairs cases, use of force incidents, arrests, calls for service, pursuits, collisions, traffic stops, and customer service.
[3]The Police Auditor’s 2024 Annual Report [4] compares this data with the previous year to identify trends and best practices.
“This annual report, along with the monthly reports, provides the public with previously undisclosed information from the Alameda Police Department, reinforcing the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust in law enforcement,” stated Police Auditor Dr. Leigh Grossman. “The findings highlight progress made and serve as key indicators for identifying areas that may warrant deeper analysis.”
Here are some highlights:
- Complaints: The annual report documents a total of 35 complaint investigations, 27 by a member of APD, which can be due to suspected misconduct, and eight by a member of the public. This represents an increase in internal affairs investigations compared to 2023; however, the proportion of cases with at least one sustained allegation decreased.
- Use of Force: Police officers in Alameda are expected to resort to using force only when alternatives such as communication, crisis intervention, and de-escalation tactics do not work or are not practical. Use of force includes when a weapon is displayed, low-level uses such as control holds or takedowns, intermediate uses such as punches and taser deployments, and force resulting in serious injury or death and all firearm discharges directed at a person. In 2024, weapon displays decreased 15%, but low-level force incidents increased 68%. This is likely driven by a 23% increase in overall arrests. Most of the low/intermediate use of force incidents were initiated from a dispatched call for service. In 2024, there were no uses of force that resulted in serious injury or death.
- Pursuits: In 2024, there were 13 pursuits initiated by a member of APD compared to just one in 2023. In August 2024, the pursuit policy was modified to explicitly allow officers to pursue suspects or vehicles wanted for felony crimes.
- Traffic Stops: Traffic stops decreased 17% in 2024, driven by a 45% decrease in moving violations. Other types of traffic stops saw an increase in 2024.
The full Police Auditor’s 2024 Annual Report [4] is available to read or download in PDF format.