698 cases reviewed in 2022, first-in-the-state housing mediation program launched.
The Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office has issued its second annual report, after completing its second full year of operations. The Unit was authorized by voters in November 2020 general election.
As the only Unit of its kind in northern California, it represents the People of the State of California in misdemeanor criminal matters, enforces fair housing and consumer protection laws, and provides community education. City prosecutors are dedicated to promoting and improving public safety and the quality of life in the City of Alameda through the fair, compassionate, and effective administration of justice.
In 2022, the Unit reviewed a total of 698 cases initiated by the Alameda Police Department, compared to 220 cases in 2020 and 454 cases in 2021. This represents a 317% increase from the 2020 baseline and a 153% increase from 2021. At the same time, the Unit resolved 281 cases in 2022, a 407% increase from the 2020 baseline and a 253% increase from 2021. The wide range of cases handled by the Unit include sexual battery, child abuse, hit-and-run, theft, driving under the influence, and assault with deadly weapons.
In collaboration with the Rent Program, the Unit launched its first-in-the-state housing mediation program in 2022, which seeks to further enhance housing stability in Alameda by bringing together landlords and tenants. In its inaugural year, 10 successful mediations were conducted.
The Unit also presented its second annual Fair Housing Workshop for the benefit of both landlords and tenants in Alameda, and published a number of housing/consumer education articles in local newspapers.
In 2023, the Unit plans to expand its mediation capacities; enhance its expertise in prosecuting domestic violence cases, elder abuse cases, and sex offense cases; and foster increased collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office in hopes of bringing community courts and additional restorative justice tools to the City of Alameda.
For more information, call the Prosecution and Public Rights Unit at 510-747-4772 or email [email protected].