For the OHA Police Department, your safety is our primary concern. We work with the community to assure the safety of individuals and property. We have compiled some valuable safety information and encourage you to familiarize yourself with the resources available. While this list is not exhaustive, it does raise awareness of the most common dangers and gives recommendations on how to reduce your risk in a number of situations. Further, the resources provided give insight into the future plans of OHAPD.

Community Members

As of January 1, 2020, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and each local law enforcement agency shall conspicuously post on their Internet Web sites all current standards, policies, practices, operating procedures, and education and training materials that would otherwise be available to the public if a request was made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).

Below you will find PDF versions of our Policy, Procedures and Training Manuals.  Please note, some items have been redacted because they are either privileged or confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under provisions of the Public Records Act or pursuant to applicable federal or state law, per California Government Code Sections 6254(b); 6254(c); 6254(f); 6254(k); and 6255. 

View All Relevant OHAPD Materials

Additional Materials

Visit this space often for additional tools and resources made available for your family and your community.

  • When someone knocks at your door, don’t open it unless you know your visitor.  
  • Look through the door viewer installed on each exterior door to identify the person. 
  • If the person is a representative, salesman, etc., ask that identification and credentials be slipped under the door or through the mail slot. Call the employer to verify the name and business. 
  • Refuse to deal with anyone who won’t comply with this request. 
  • Someone may knock at your door and ask to use your telephone to make an emergency call. Never open the door; take the message and make the call for the person. 
  • If someone you do not trust or who you believe might be dangerous comes to your door, call 911 immediately. 
  • If you find your door ajar, or if you hear unusual sounds inside, DON’T GO IN! Go to the nearest telephone and call 911. 
  • If your home has been burglarized DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING UNTIL A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ARRIVES! 
  • If you enter your home and find a burglar there, leave if you can. If the intruder is armed, sit down quietly and obey instructions. 
  • DO NOT resist or fight. 
  • Observe the intruder closely to obtain a description for the responding law enforcement officer. 
  • When the intruder leaves, call 911 immediately.  Telephone Safety 
  • If you receive frequent “wrong number” calls, hang up calls, late night calls from strangers, or other nuisance calls, call the security representative at your local t elphone company and the police. 
  • If a telephone call is obscene, hang up the telephone, but don’t slam t he receiver down.
  • If the telephone call is threatening, contact OHAPD or OPD immediately. 
  • Never allow yourself to be drawn int o a conversation with an unknown caller in which you reveal your name, address, marital status, or anything to indicate you are alone.
  • Don’t let a caller know you are angry or upset. They want this reaction and will often encourage them.  
  • Don’t play detective and extend the call attempting to find out who is calling. This may be the reaction the caller wants or needs. 
  • Don’t try to be counselor. The annoying or malicious caller probably needs professional help, but he or she may only be encouraged by your concern and will continue calling.
pdfSafety Bulletin pdfSenior Citizen Resident Safety pdfStatistics of Elder Abuse pdfDetecting Con Games & Consumer Fraud pdfDisaster Preparedness pdfDomestic Violence Resource Guide pdfCitation Appeal Brochure

Senior Citizens

pdfSenior Citizen Safety In Your Home pdfDeterring Con Games and Consumer Fraud pdfStatistics of Elder Abuse

Senior citizens represent the most rapidly growing segment of the population in the United States. Their number will increase as baby boomers age and life expectancy increases. By 2030, the number of senior citizens in the U.S. is expected to exceed 64 million.  

Although national surveys indicate that senior citizens are the least victimized age group, they often exhibit the greatest fear of crime. This fear can at least partially be contributed to their fear of personal vulnerability.   

Due to the natural consequences of aging, i.e., loss of hearing and/or eyesight, along with other chronic and debilitating conditions, senior citizens perceive themselves as more vulnerable to physical injury if attacked.   

Senior citizens often live in isolation due to the loss of family members. They are also more likely to live in inner city neighborhoods that may have high crime rates.    

If you require additional information or need assistance from Oakland Housing Authority staff, call:     

Translation Services

Language translation and American Sign Language interpretation services are available in 151 languages at all offices for free for all members of the public.

To request interpretation/translation services call (510) 587-2100, TDD Number (510) 597-7119.

En todas las oficinas hay servicios gratuitos de interpretación a la lengua de señas estadounidense y traducción a 151 idiomas para todos los ciudadanos. Para solicitar servicios de interpretación/traducción llame al (510) 587-2100, número TDD (510) 597-7119.

我們的所有辦公室均提供 151 種語言翻譯和美國手語傳譯服務，免費供公眾享用.  如要索取傳譯/筆譯服務，請致電 (510) 587-2100, TDD 號碼 (510) 597-7119.

所有办事处免费向所有公众提供 151 种语言的翻译和美国手语翻译服务.  如需申请口译/笔译服务，请致电 (510) 587-2100，TDD 号码 (510) 597-7119.

Dịch vụ Dịch thuật Ngôn ngữ và Thông dịch Ngôn ngữ Ký hiệu Hoa Kỳ được cung cấp miễn phí bằng 151 ngôn ngữ tại tất cả các văn phòng cho tất cả công dân. Để yêu cầu dịch vụ thông dịch/dịch thuật, hãy gọi (510) 587-2100, Số TDD (510) 597-7119.

Elder Abuse

pdfStatistics of Elder Abuse

Financial Abuse Statistics of elder abuse are frightening. One in every 20 elderly people will be a victim of one or more forms of elder abuse this year. 

The problem may get worse as the number of elderly Americans increases. People over the age of 65 will number about 52 million this year. Those aged 85 years or older are the fastest growing group. 

As the elderly population grows, so will the incidents of elder abuse. But there are steps we can take to recognize the problem and prevent it. 

There are four general categories of elder abuse: 

  1. Physical Abuse 
  2. Psychological Emotional Abuse 
  3. Financial Abuse 
  4. Neglect / Self-Neglect 

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. Some signs and symptoms of this type of abuse include, but are not limited to: 

  • bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, cuts; 
  • open wounds, sprains, broken bones; 
  • broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment; 
  • an elder’s sudden change in behavior. 

Case Example: Mary Smith, 67, was assaulted several times by her son, who was living with her. Neighbors called the police, but the victim and son denied everything, claiming instead that the neighbors and police were harassing them! The abuse continued until finally it was so bad, Mrs. Smith needed to be hospitalized. Although Mrs. Smith still did not want to press charges, the injuries were severe enough that the son was arrested and charged with felony elder abuse.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological Abuse is defined as the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. Some signs and symptoms of this type of abuse include but are not limited to:

  • being emotionally upset or agitated; 
  • being extremely withdrawn and noncommunicative or non-responsive; 
  • an elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated.

Case Example: Sara Young, a legally blind and wheelchair-bound woman in her 60’s, told a neighbor that she was afraid her husband was going to kill her. He had threatened her with a knife. The neighbor called the police. Mrs. Young revealed that her husband never let her leave their apartment and had kept her a prisoner. He had also refused to take her to the doctor, so her health condition had worsened due to the lack of medical attention.  With the help of a social worker, Mrs. Young obtained her own apartment adapted for a wheelchair and qualified for SSI and In-Home Support Services. She also got involved in recreational and social programs and received appropriate care for her medical condition. 

Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets. Some signs and symptoms of this type of abuse include, but are not limited to:

  • unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions; 
  • a person charging an elder outrageous sums to do small errands. 

Case Example: Bill Davis had a history of alcoholism and his mental condition was such that he was very forgetful. The 70-year-old man had suffered a fall that resulted in a broken hip. Unable to shop for himself, he was befriended by a woman who offered to help him with shopping and cooking. The woman quickly gained his trust and began asking for money. Mr. Davis wrote checks to the woman, but a short time later would forget that he had done so. The woman kept asking for more money, and forgetting the previous check, Mr. Davis would write another. Mr. Davis’ daughter became suspicious when her father told her his rent check had bounced and he was unable to pay his other bills. The police were called to investigate the situation. Eventually the woman was arrested for fiduciary abuse. 

Neglect

Neglect is defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an elder, or the failure on the part of an in-home service provider to provide necessary care. Some signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

  • unsanitary and unclean living conditions; 
  • dehydration, malnutrition, and poor personal hygiene. 

Case Example: Carolyn Mays was a confused and incontinent 90-year-old woman who was cared for by her granddaughter. On one occasion she was found in saturated adult diapers, and on another, she was restrained with ropes around her wrists and had several bruises on her face. While the granddaughter appeared to care about her grandmother and tried hard to meet her needs, Mrs. Mays required around-the-clock care. Her doctor stated that she needed nursing home care. Adult protective services staff investigated and successfully placed Mrs. Mays in a nursing home. 

Self-Neglect

Self-Neglect is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his own health or safety. Self-neglect generally manifests itself in an older person as a refusal or failure to provide himself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication, and safety precautions. This definition excludes a situation in which a competent older person, who understands the consequences of his decisions, makes a conscious and voluntary decision to engage in acts that threaten his health or safety as a matter of personal choice. Signs and symptoms to this type of abuse are the same as defined above. 

We all have the right to be free from abuse and neglect. If an elderly person you know is being victimized, it is important for you to take action to stop it. The types of abuse discussed above could happen to any of our family members, friends, or neighbors. Without intervention, abuse almost always escalates. Because victims are often reluctant to report abuse, a person’s well-being may depend on you to recognize and report suspected abuse.  It is important to know that more than two-thirds of elder abuse perpetrators are family members of the victims or close family friends, typically serving in a caregiving role. When elder abuse occurs, it can be addressed – if it comes to the attention of authorities. 

Reporting Elder Abuse 

Reporting suspected elder abuse is simple. Call the police or report incidents to the county Adult Protective Service agency (APS). If you suspect abuse that seems life threatening don’t wait, call the police immediately. They will notify any other agency that may need to be involved.

Below is a list of various numbers where you can receive assistance: 

Scams & Consumer Fraud

pdfDeterring Con Games and Consumer Fraud

Con games are schemes perpetuated by confidence artists, who are often charming and persuasive, and are at times well dressed and intelligent. Con artists frequently promise “incredible bargains” or “quick money.” The con artist frequently sees senior citizens as easy targets. Because many of them live on social security and pensions supplemented by savings, they may be looking for ways to increase their incomes. 

Always bear in mind–anything that sounds too good to be true probably is. If you receive a telephone call from someone telling you you’ve won a prize and asking for payment to buy something, for processing of administrative fees, for customs, taxes, or for any other reason, it’s probably a scam. Legitimate sweepstakes or prize offers don’t ask for payment because it’s illegal. 

Remember, it’s probably a scam if: 

  • a person says you have to take the offer immediately or you’ll miss the opportunity. Legitimate companies don’t pressure people to act without giving them time to look into the deal. 
  • a caller refuses to send you written information before you commit to anything. Legitimate companies are always glad to send information about what they are offering. 
  • a caller claims you can make huge profits in an investment with no risk. All investments are risky, and legitimate companies must tell consumers about the possible risks involved. 
  • a caller asks for a donation but won’t tell you exactly how the money will be used and how you can verify the charity and what it does. Legitimate charities are willing to say what percentage of contributions is used for services and how much goes to overhead and fundraising. They are also willing to tell consumers whom they can check with to confirm that the charity is legitimate. …a caller insists you send your payment by a private courier or money wire. Legitimate companies don’t try to keep people from checking the deal out and changing their minds, or to evade the postal authorities by demanding immediate payment by courier or wire. 
  • a company asks for cash. Legitimate companies don’t ask for cash; con artists do, because they often have trouble obtaining merchant approval from credit card companies, and they also want to be difficult to trace. 
  • a caller asks for your social security number. Legitimate companies do not request your social security number unless you are applying for credit and they need to check your credit report. 
  • a caller asks for your credit card number, bank account number, or other financial information when you aren’t buying anything or paying with those accounts. Legitimate companies ask for financial information only to bill you or debit your account for purchases you’ve agreed to make. 
  • a company calls you relentlessly or after you’ve asked not to be called any more. Legitimate companies will take “no” for an answer and will take you off their calling lists if you ask. A con artist will keep calling to wear you down or get more money from you.

Disaster Preparedness

pdfDisaster Preparedness Brochure

Disasters strike with little or no warning. After a major disaster, local emergency responders will be completely overwhelmed. You need to be prepared to survive unaided for the first three days. You have a choice; be part of the solution or part of the problem. Are you ready? 

Getting Started

Meet with Your Family 

  • Discuss the types of disasters that could occur. 
  • Explain how to prepare and respond. 
  • Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate. 
  • Practice what you have discussed.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster 

  1. Pick two meeting places:
    1. A location a safe distance from your home in case of fire. 
    2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. 
  2. Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call. 

Complete These Steps 

  • Post emergency telephone numbers by every telephone 
  • Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches. 
  • Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test two times each year. 
  • Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards. 
  • Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training. 

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit 

Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag. 

  • A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months. 
  • A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and nonelectric can opener 
  • A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes 
  • Blankets or sleeping bags 
  • A first aid kit and prescription medications 
  • An extra pair of glasses 
  • A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries 
  • A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers 
  • Credit cards and cash 
  • An extra set of car keys 
  • A list of family physicians 
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members 
  • Rope ladder for multi-story residences 
Special Items 

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Babies

  • Formula, diapers, bottles 
  • Powdered milk 
  • Medications 

For Adults 

  • Heart and high blood pressure medication
  • Insulin 
  • Prescription drugs 
  • Denture needs 
  • Contact lenses and supplies 
  • Extra eyeglasses 
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries 
  • Blanket 
  • Booster cables 
  • Fire extinguisher (5-lb., A-B-C type) 
  • First-aid kit and manual 
  • Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter 
  • Maps, shovel, flares 
  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils 
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries 
  • Flashlight and extra batteries 
  • Cash or travelers’ checks, change 
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife 
  • Fire extinguisher: small canister, AB-C type 
  • Tube tent 
  • Pliers 
  • Tape –  masking and duct 
  • Compass 
  • Matches in waterproof container 
  • Aluminum foil 
  • Plastic storage containers 
  • Signal flare 
  • Paper, pencil 
  • Needles, thread 
  • Medicine dropper 
  • Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water 
  • Whistle 
  • Plastic sheeting 
  • Map of area (for locating shelters) 

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes 
  • 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) 
  • 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) 
  • Hypoallergenic adhesive tape 
  • Triangular bandages (3) 
  • 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) 
  • 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) 
  • Scissors & tweezers 
  • Needle 
  • Moistened towelettes 
  • Antiseptic & thermometer 
  • Tongue blades (2) 
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant 
  • Assorted sizes of safety pins 
  • Cleansing agent/soap 
  • Latex gloves (2 pair) 
  • Sunscreen 

The information above is intended as a guide and is not all-inclusive.

Holiday Safety Tips 

The Oakland Housing Authority Police Department (OHAPD) is committed to providing the residents of the community excellent service. During the holiday season OHAPD would like to offer a few tips to help make it a safe and enjoyable one for our residents. 

The following information is designed to help you stay safe during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.     

If you are planning to go out of town for the holidays, here are a few tips to help safeguard against burglaries: 

  • To make it appear that someone is home, set up automatic timers for interior lights.    Alternating the times the lights turn on and off will make it impossible for would-be robbers to determine a pattern of when you are at home or when you are away. 
  • Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail. Contact your newspaper carrier and place the delivery on “vacation hold” until you return. 
  • Place wooden dowels inside the window tracks to help prevent windows from being opened from the outside. 
  • Be aware of unwanted telemarketers and of solicitors who are going door-to-door during this time of the year. Remember, do not provide your social security number to anyone who calls asking for it. Instead, ask the caller to provide your number and tell them you will verify it if it is correct. Be aware that there may be no legitimate reason the caller would need this information.
  • Keep travel plans on a need-to-know basis with your neighbors. Do not tell all of your immediate neighbors you are going out of town. When loading your luggage, try to be inconspicuous and do it when there are not many people around.
  • Catalog all items of value in your residence in the event of a burglary.  Take photographs of them and document their make, model, serial number, and worth.  Engrave items of value with a predetermined identification number.  This will make filing a police report easier and increase the probability of recovering your items.

If hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your residence, make sure that your appliances are functioning properly.   

  • At a minimum, have on hand a fire extinguisher rated for A, B, & C. These fire extinguishers are commonly found in hardware stores in various sizes. 
  • In the event of a fire, make sure that all exits are free of debris and large bulky items that may impede a quick and safe exit. 
  • Create a safety plan to be used in case of an emergency, outlining evacuation procedures that include escape routes and a safe meeting place out of harm’s way.
  • Remember, if you purchase a live Christmas tree, keep it watered constantly to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. 
  • Turn off all holiday lights (especially on the tree) when you are away from home and when you go to bed to prevent electrical fires. 
  • Keep pets away from tree lights because they can chew on electrical cords, causing a fire hazard and risking electrocution. 
  • Read all instructional literature provided with electric lights and decorations to avoid electrical overloads.
  • Avoid leaving any recently purchased presents, even if wrapped in Christmas paper, visibly stored in your vehicle at home or while out shopping. Remove any temptation that could foster criminal activity. 
  • During the holiday season, more people are prone to depression. Friends and family should be monitored for unusual behavior. Seek professional intervention if necessary. 
  • Do not drink and drive. Select a designated driver.  
  • Remember those less fortunate. Consider volunteering in your community to make this a festive holiday season for all.

Domestic Violence

pdfResources for Victims of Violence​ pdfVictim & Witness Assistance, Office of the Alameda County District Attorney pdfVictim Witness Brochure

Missing Persons

Missing Persons Unit Department recognizes that each case of a missing or abducted person creates stress and trauma for the person’s family and community. OPD accepts any report, including any telephonic report of a missing person, including runaways, without delay and shall give priority to the handling of these reports over the handling of reports related to crimes involving property 

A Missing Person is any juvenile or adult who is missing voluntarily or involuntarily under circumstances not conforming to his or her ordinary habits or behavior and who may be in need of assistance.

Resources

To Report a Missing Person Call or Text 911: Enter 911 without spaces or hyphens and text the reason for your emergency. 

Tip411: Text OHAPD to 847-411 followed by your Tip

Frequently Asked Questions 

It depends if the case meets the criteria created by the California Highway Patrol. If the missing person meets the requirements, the Missing Persons Unit will initiate an AMBER alert on a case-by-case basis. 

No, there is no waiting period to report a person missing. 

Staff from the missing person unit will generally contact the reporting party when they begin working the case.

This should be decided after discussion with the investigator, so there is no conflict with the investigation.

Yes, however, do not put your personal contact information and make sure the investigator knows about the flyers. We suggest creating an email dedicated to the missing person to be listed on the flyers for contact. Please discuss contact phone numbers with the missing person investigator. 

Further, when posting on social media about the missing per-son, please coordinate with the investigator for the most effective campaign.

Support Organizations

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 
24-Hour Hotline 1-800-843-5678
Main Line 1-866-305-HOPE (4673) 

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Team HOPE is here to assist families of missing or exploited children, as well as adult survivors of certain types of sexual abuse, abduction, or other missing cases. 

Coping with the traumatic experience of having a missing and/or sexually exploited child demands courage and determination for all involved. NCMEC provides a wide range of support services for victims and their families including crisis intervention, emotional support, referrals to appropriate community agencies and mental health professionals, peer connection, and reunification assistance.

Toll-free hotline: (855) 626-7600
namUs@unthsc.edu

NamUs is a national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified, and un-claimed person cases across the United States. NamUs provides tools that empower family members of missing persons to enter and search case information and connects families with criminal justice professionals to assist in the search for their missing loved ones. 

This powerful resource will help you, medical examiners, law enforcement, and other members of the justice community enter data about the person who s missing. You should include details such as physical characteristics and where they were last seen.

Adamika Village
adamikaadamika@gmail.com

Adamika Village’s Purple Butterfly program works with families to find and reunite missing persons with loved ones and to emancipate victims of human trafficking by assisting with flyer distribution and searches. 

Black and Missing 
Tipline (877) 972-2634

Helps to maximize exposure of missing persons of color, so they can receive the awareness needed to be reunited with their families.

National Alliance of Mental Illness
NAMI Missing Persons Resource Guide
Main (703) 524-7600

The thought of a family member, a friend or someone else you care about going missing can be terrifying. When this person lives with a mental health condition, the situation may be even more serious. Taking action quickly can make a difference.

State of California
Missing Persons Department

Through the Missing and Unidentified Per-sons Section, the California Department of Justice assists law enforcement agencies throughout the state in finding missing persons. The Missing and Unidentified Persons Section maintains statewide files containing the dental records, photographs and physical characteristics of missing and unidentified persons. 

California Missing Children Clearinghouse (MCCH)
24-Hr Hotline (1-800-222-FIND)
Main Line (916) 210-3119
mmissing.persons@doj.ca.gov

MCCH receives information and inquiries regarding missing children. It relays this information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Dept. of Justice, Missing & Unidentified Persons Unit (916) 227-3290
Dept. of Justice, Missing Children Hotline (800) 222-FIND (3463)

Polly Klaas Foundation
800-587-4357

The Polly Klaas Foundation is a Petaluma, CA based, national nonprofit dedicated to the safety of all children, the recovery of missing children, and public policies that keep children safe in their communities. We counsel families on ways to search for their children, offer missing child posters, fax and internet blasts to businesses. We forward leads to law enforcement officials and keep family members informed of their child’s case.