The California Highway Patrol’s presence in Oakland isn’t going anywhere – in fact, it is filling a void as the Oakland Police Department prepares to slash its traffic safety division amid chronic understaffing.
On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that after reported successes in Bay Area cities like Oakland and San Francisco, the CHP will now provide resources for Southern California departments as well.
Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Huy Nguyn tells CBS News Bay Area that CHP’s role in Oakland has been “very essential,” primarily focused on traffic enforcement, which has freed up resources for the department to focus on patrol. CHP also assists in narcotics and weapons enforcement…