De-policing transportation to create safe streets

berkeley-police.jpg

As advocates who strive to create safe places for walking and biking, we recognize that police involvement in traffic-related issues has too often harmed Black communities - presenting a barrier to safe mobility. Berkeley can be a leader in de-policing transportation while eliminating severe and fatal collisions with equitable and effective road safety strategies.

We’ve worked with Councilmember Robinson to develop a first-in-the-nation proposal to transfer police traffic duties to unarmed civilians in a new equity-focused Berkeley Department of Transportation (BerkDOT). Mayor Arreguin and Councilmembers Lori Droste and Ben Bartlett are co-sponsors. It’s made a big splash. On July 14, Council will discuss this item and several others related to re-envisioning public safety in Berkeley.

Read our letter calling on the City to de-police transportation. We’re proud that it’s co-signed by several transportation and social justice advocacy groups.

Add your voice! Email City Council (here’s a pre-populated email to council@cityofberkeley.info) by July 14 to support item 18e:

  • Transfer traffic enforcement from Berkeley police to unarmed civilians

  • Prohibit police from making pretext stops based on minor traffic violations

  • Create an equity-focused Berkeley Department of Transportation (BerkDOT)

Give public comment in support during the virtual meeting: Tuesday, July 14 at 6pm. Information on accessing the meeting is at the top of the agenda.

Ben Gerhardstein