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 first 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.

10/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for Coffee with a Cop!

We enjoyed connecting with our community, sharing conversations, and building positive relationships over a cup of coffee.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by and spend part of their day with us.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Help Protect Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter TheftAfter three consecutive years of decline, catalytic converter th...
10/22/2026

Help Protect Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft

After three consecutive years of decline, catalytic converter thefts are increasing again. Already this year, Berkeley has recorded more than 300 catalytic converter thefts, surpassing the 248 reported in all of 2025.

While our officers continue to investigate these crimes, we want to share a few steps you can take to help protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

🔹 Report suspicious activity. If you see someone suspiciously tampering with a vehicle, report it to police immediately.

🔹 Do not confront suspects. Individuals committing these crimes may react violently. Keep your distance and prioritize your safety.

🔹 Choose your parking location carefully. If you cannot park in a garage, try to park in a well-lit, visible area.

🔹 Consider video surveillance. A high-resolution video surveillance system may help capture evidence. You can also register your system with the Berkeley Police Department.

🔹 Install a theft-prevention device. Ask your mechanic about installing a catalytic converter shield or another security device designed to make the converter more difficult to remove.

Thank you for staying vigilant and helping us keep Berkeley safe!

Thanks to contributions from the Berkeley Police Association and the Berkeley Black Police Officers Association, several...
10/21/2026

Thanks to contributions from the Berkeley Police Association and the Berkeley Black Police Officers Association, several members of our Department attended the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Annual Achievers Luncheon this month.

During the luncheon, former Berkeley Police Chief Ronald Nelson was posthumously honored with the Legacy Award, recognizing his lasting contributions and impact. We are grateful to both associations for making it possible for our members to attend and celebrate this special recognition of Chief Nelson.

Coffee with a Cop on October 21 ☕👮Please join us for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 21st at REI (1338 San Pablo...
10/21/2026

Coffee with a Cop on October 21 ☕👮

Please join us for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 21st at REI (1338 San Pablo Avenue).

We will be in front of the store from 11 am to 1 pm.

Stop by for a free cup of coffee and conversation with local officers and community members. We look forward to seeing you there!

10/20/2026

What a wonderful time at the Harvest Festival!

Our Police Department had a great time joining the festivities, connecting with our community, and enjoying all the fun the season has to offer. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared a smile, and helped make this event so special!

We’re proud to be part of such an amazing community and look forward to making more memories together.

Arrest Made in Serious Hit-and-Run CollisionOn October 13th, officers arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with a re...
10/13/2026

Arrest Made in Serious Hit-and-Run Collision

On October 13th, officers arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with a recent Hit and Run collision that occurred at University Avenue and Eighth Street.

On October 7th at 9 pm, officers responded to reports that two pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found a 78-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman who had sustained serious injuries. The driver responsible for the collision fled the scene without stopping and the man and woman remain in serious condition.

An alert witness followed the suspect vehicle as it left the area and provided investigators with a description. Working collaboratively and using multiple investigative resources—including Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology in Berkeley and Emeryville, security footage from nearby businesses, and Berkeley’s fixed surveillance cameras—investigators identified the suspect as a 22-year-old man from Richmond.

Investigators then used this information to obtain an arrest warrant for the suspect on suspicion of two counts of felony hit and run.

On October 13th, investigators from the department’s Homicide/Felony-Assault Unit and the Fatal Accident Investigation Team arrested the suspect in the City of El Cerrito for his arrest warrant.

We want to thank the alert witness whose assistance helped move this investigation forward, as well as our community for its patience and continued support.

Case 2026-00044769

10/13/2026

During a recent Pedestrian Safety Operation, officers cited 25 individuals in under 2 hours for traffic violations that put pedestrians and bicyclists at risk.

Slow down. Follow traffic laws. Stay alert. Every decision behind the wheel matters.

Let’s work together to keep our streets safe!

When a suspect tells you they have a gun in their coat, believe them! 🚨Sunday night, while most of our city was asleep, ...
10/13/2026

When a suspect tells you they have a gun in their coat, believe them! 🚨

Sunday night, while most of our city was asleep, our nightshift officers were hard at work investigating a robbery that occurred near San Pablo Park.

The woman was walking home when she heard a man run up behind her. The man knocked her to the ground, stole her laptop, and fled the area wearing a robe.

Thanks to laptop tracking technology and some great police work, officers found the suspect a short time later.
While officers spoke with the suspect, he told them he had a gun in his coat. Officers took his statement seriously and searched him, where they found a handgun concealed inside his coat.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing fi****ms and a registered s*x offender. He was transported to county jail and booked on multiple charges.

Outstanding teamwork by our graveyard weekend officers! 👏🚔

While most of our city is sleeping, our officers are out there responding to calls, investigating crimes, recovering stolen property, and working hard to keep our community safe.

Great work, Team 7! 💙🚔

2026-00045459

Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ DayToday, the Berkeley Police Department recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honors t...
10/12/2026

Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today, the Berkeley Police Department recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honors the history, culture, and enduring traditions of the Ohlone people.

Berkeley is situated within the historic homeland of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone, on ancestral and unceded land traditionally known as xučyun (Huichin).

We honor the Ohlone people and recognize their enduring connection to this land and community.

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, City offices are closed today.

🤝 Working Together to Combat Retail TheftThis month, the Berkeley Police Department hosted the Alameda County District A...
10/11/2026

🤝 Working Together to Combat Retail Theft

This month, the Berkeley Police Department hosted the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Team (ORTVP) Countywide Taskforce Meeting at our substation.

Representatives from multiple Alameda County law enforcement agencies, along with the California Highway Patrol, came together to discuss retail theft trends, share updates on investigations, and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions.

The District Attorney’s Office also provided a presentation on asset forfeiture, offering valuable information to support ongoing investigative efforts.

By working together and sharing information, our agencies can strengthen investigations, address organized retail theft, and better protect our communities.

Address

2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA
94704

Telephone

(510) 981-5900

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