Press Contact: A. McDougall, Officer, (510) 981-5773MESSAGE TO OUR BERKELEY COMMUNITY
Berkeley, California (Monday, March 22, 2021) - The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is aware of a disturbing increase in violence specifically directed towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans affecting the entire nation, as well as our state and region. California has the largest population of Asian Americans of any state, and the largest population of Pacific Islander Americans outside of Hawaii. These incidents have understandably left our Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities with a heightened sense of anxiety and fear of being victimized based on their heritage.
In response, the BPD’s bicycle patrol detail has increased their patrols and presence in our City’s most visible areas. Our Community Services Bureau - Area Coordinators will continue to host monthly community advisory meetings specifically as a listening post for the community to share concerns about safety and community issues.
BPD takes all hate crimes and hate incidents seriously. Our Detective Division will continue to investigate these incidents to the fullest extent possible. BPD is dedicated to serving our community, and we are committed to keeping our diverse and progressive community safe.
Please help us defend against hate. Report any circumstances in which you were the victim of a hate crime or incident, or believe one has been committed, to BPD’s Dispatch Center at 510-981-5900. If you witness a hate crime or incident in progress, please call 911.
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