Oakland Police Department reassigns 6 motorcycle traffic enforcement to patrols due to staffing shortage

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — The Oakland Police Department is reassigning all six of its motorcycle traffic enforcement officers to patrol duties due to staffing shortages.

This move effectively disbands the city’s traffic monitoring team — at least for now.

Police Chief Floyd Mitchell says more changes like this could be coming. At a police commission meeting last month, leaders warned this would be the necessary course of action.

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“We have to be able to answer 911 calls. That’s the bare minimum. Everything else is a luxury. We don’t like it. I’ll tell you right now, the chief is not happy that he has to do it. We have to do this,” said Deputy Chief Lisa Ausmus.

Mitchell said the department is experiencing an unprecedented staffing crisis. He said it must focus on retaining current officers while recruiting new personnel.

He also blames a lack of funding for police academies.