Berkeley Police Department

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The City of Berkeley, California was incorporated in 1878 and was policed by an elected town Marshall. The Marshall was assisted by elected Constables who throughout the years primarily served papers and seldom made arrests without a warrant. At the turn of the century, crime increased and...

In 1905, August Vollmer was elected town Marshall. In 1909, he was appointed as the City of Berkeley's f

irst Chief of Police. Chief Vollmer was instrumental in organizing the department, creating what we now call a "Code of Ethics", which included eliminating the acceptance of gratuities, rewards or favors." Chief Vollmer demanded a high level of honesty, efficiency, interest and hard work from his officers. This has continued to this day, which has been the foundation for BPD's reputation in the law enforcement field. Chief Vollmer's progressive thinking and use of new innovations in law enforcement became the foundation that BPD has been built upon and provided a legacy as a department that can be called "First in Policing" in so many areas.

Yesterday afternoon, officers patrolling near Eighth Street and Harrison Street recognized a person they knew had an out...
08/28/2026

Yesterday afternoon, officers patrolling near Eighth Street and Harrison Street recognized a person they knew had an outstanding burglary warrant. The officers arrested the man without incident. While conducting their investigation, they noticed a nearby motorcycle that was not displaying any license plates.

The officers conducted a records check using the motorcycle’s VIN and quickly discovered that it had been reported stolen from Oakland. The motorcycle was recovered and will be returned to its rightful owner.

Thanks to the officers’ vigilance and attention to detail, a wanted burglary suspect was taken into custody and a stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner. It’s another great example of how proactive police work can make a difference in our community.

Case 2026-00037775

This week, Deputy Chief Tate welcomed Officers Mabry, Itokazu, and Diaz to the Berkeley Police Department following thei...
08/27/2026

This week, Deputy Chief Tate welcomed Officers Mabry, Itokazu, and Diaz to the Berkeley Police Department following their graduation from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy.

Please join us in congratulating our newest officers as they begin the next chapter of their law enforcement careers serving the Berkeley community.

Welcome to the Berkeley Police Department, Officers Mabry, Itokazu, and Diaz! 👏

08/27/2026

Recent incidents of vandalism in Central Berkeley

On the night of August 19, an unknown suspect vandalized "Sinbad Voyage," a mural honoring the immigrant experience located on the building at the corner of Sacramento Street and Dwight Way, by splattering white paint across it.

We believe this incident may be connected to another act of vandalism approximately a block and a half away, where a suspect poured white paint onto the hood of a vehicle parked in a residential driveway.

Since these incidents, officers have collected evidence from both scenes, and detectives are actively pursuing investigative leads, including a video showing a person of interest walking through the neighborhood with what appears to be a can of paint.

We understand this comes at a time of heightened anxiety for many in our community about being targeted because of identity or origin, and we don't take that lightly. We thank the neighbors and community members who have already come forward with information and support. Public trust and cooperation are essential to solving cases like this one.

At this time, we have no evidence indicating that these crimes were directed at any specific individual or group. The investigation continues and will share updates as they become available.

If you have any information about these incidents, please contact our Property Crimes Unit at 510-981-5737.

Berkeley’s finest, with a Western twist.
08/25/2026

Berkeley’s finest, with a Western twist.

Safe Drives Save Lives: Make the End of Summer MemorableBefore the summer season winds down, Berkeley Police Department ...
08/21/2026

Safe Drives Save Lives: Make the End of Summer Memorable

Before the summer season winds down, Berkeley Police Department wants everyone to kick off their Labor Day festivities with safety at the forefront. Make the decision that saves lives. Choose safety every time you get behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To help keep our community safe, the Berkeley Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 19 through Labor Day (Sept. 1) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Enjoying the last days of summer should be all about fun and that starts with making safe choices before making plans,” Berkeley Police Departments Lieutenant Rashawn Cummings said. “Everyone deserves to get home safely, and it starts with your everyday actions.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2024 — that’s one person every 44 minutes.

Berkeley Police Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:
· Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated sober driver, call a ride-sharing service, taxi or use public transportation.
· Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
· Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
· Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
· Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and look out for people biking and walking.
· Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Keeping Berkeley Safe During Cal Move-InThe City of Berkeley Police Department reminds residents and visitors to priorit...
08/20/2026

Keeping Berkeley Safe During Cal Move-In

The City of Berkeley Police Department reminds residents and visitors to prioritize safety during UC Berkeley's Berkeley’s annual Cal Move-In, taking place August 17 through August 23.

Cal Move-In, hosted by the University of California, Berkeley, welcomes thousands of students, families, and visitors to the campus and surrounding community. With the increased number of people in Berkeley during this period, residents can expect increased foot traffic, gatherings, and celebrations throughout the day.

To help ensure a safe environment for everyone, the Berkeley Police Department will increase enforcement efforts in areas surrounding the university.

This will include additional officers conducting plainclothes enforcement operations.

These efforts will be conducted in partnership with CaliforniaABC agents and Berkeley Fire Department inspectors. Enforcement teams will focus on:

• Preventing underage and unlawful alcohol consumption
• Addressing the sale or furnishing of alcohol to underage people
• Identifying unsafe or overcrowded conditions in residences and gathering spaces
• Ensuring compliance with fire and life-safety regulations

We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and remain aware of their surroundings. Hosts are reminded to follow all applicable laws and safety guidelines, and parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their students about responsible decision-making and personal safety.

If you observe an emergency or immediate threat to safety, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, call the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5900.

Our goal is to help ensure Cal Move-In remains a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for students, families, residents, and visitors alike.

Thank you for helping us keep Berkeley safe.

$50K Reward offered in the unsolved murder of Alex Goodwin Jr.August 19 marks the ten-year anniversary of the murder of ...
08/19/2026

$50K Reward offered in the unsolved murder of Alex Goodwin Jr.

August 19 marks the ten-year anniversary of the murder of Alex Goodwin Jr.

Just before midnight on August 18, 2016, officers responded to the San Pablo Park neighborhood, where they found Goodwin unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Ten years later, detectives continue to investigate this case and believe there are individuals who may have information that could help bring those responsible to justice. Even the smallest detail could prove critical to solving this case.

The Berkeley Police Department is urging anyone with information about Alex Goodwin Jr.’s murder to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at (510) 981-5741 or BPD’s 24-hour non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900.

Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be the key to solving this case.

August is Back to School Safety Month: A+ Driving Starts with Slowing DownAs summer draws to a close and students prepar...
08/11/2026

August is Back to School Safety Month: A+ Driving Starts with Slowing Down

As summer draws to a close and students prepare to return to school, the Berkeley Police Department reminds all drivers to make safety a top priority during August’s Back to School Safety Month by slowing down, following the speed limit and being extra careful driving through school zones.

"This time of year brings increased activity around schools and it’s crucial to be mindful behind the wheel,” Berkeley Police Department, Lt. Rashawn Cummings said. "Every driver plays a role in keeping children safe by slowing down and paying close attention in and around school zones. It is all our responsibility to ensure children get to and from school safely.”

The Berkeley Police Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:
• Slow down and follow the speed limit.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.
• Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
• Look out for people walking and yield at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when available and crossing at corners when there is no marked crosswalk.

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder and RobberyOn July 29, Berkeley Police officers arrested a 19-year-old man in conn...
07/30/2026

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder and Robbery

On July 29, Berkeley Police officers arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a June shooting that left a young woman seriously injured near Ashby Avenue and Adeline Street.

On June 14th at 11:13 pm, officers responded to the 1900 block of Ashby Avenue following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they located a 19-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. She was transported to a local hospital and is continuing to recover from her injuries.

During the investigation, officers learned that the incident began after an encounter with the victim’s ex-boyfriend at a residence on the 2900 block of Adeline Street—where the ex-boyfriend attacked the victim inside the residence. After leaving the residence, the suspect shot the victim outside the residence when she attempted to get in her vehicle to drive away. The suspect then went through the victim’s vehicle, where he stole cash.

Read more:
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/suspect-arrested-attempted-murder-and-robbery

Auto Theft Investigation Results in Two Arrests, Recovery of Stolen VehiclesOn July 23, Berkeley Police officers arreste...
07/28/2026

Auto Theft Investigation Results in Two Arrests, Recovery of Stolen Vehicles

On July 23, Berkeley Police officers arrested two suspects in connection with a criminal operation involving stolen vehicles that were stripped for parts.

While investigating an auto theft case in which several vehicles were stolen in a single night, Berkeley officers developed an investigative lead that brought them to an area along the railroad tracks in East Oakland, between 50th Avenue and 66th Avenue. There, officers located four Hondas that had recently been stolen from Berkeley. Each vehicle had been stripped of parts, with the engines removed and staged for pickup.

Officers established surveillance of the location and, the following morning, observed several suspects loading the stolen engines into a pickup truck.

Members of the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Task Force (ACRATT) continued surveillance of the suspects, leading investigators to a second location in East Oakland.

Read more:
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/auto-theft-investigation-results-two-arrests-recovery-stolen-vehicles

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2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA
94704

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(510) 981-5900

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