OPD Clears Encampment at Frank Ogawa Plaza

The Oakland Police Department, with the help of seven other law enforcement agencies from around the Bay Area, cleared Frank Ogawa Plaza this morning completing the operation by about 7am.  Police Chief Howard Jordan, at a press conference at 8:15 am announced that there had been no injuries to officers or others and no use of force.  The Chief also said there had been 32 people arrested; only nine of those arrested gave an Oakland address.

Mayor Quan said she was glad the activities ended peacefully and she urged people to respect the decision of the city to close the encampment.  Both the Mayor and City Administrator Deanna Santana suggested public safety concerns, including last weeks’ murder on the plaza, required this action.

Santana and Jordan said they hoped the plaza would be re-opened by 5 or 6 pm today.  They both indicated that while peaceful assembly and expression would be allowed, lodging would not be permitted.  Chief Jordan said a police presence 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) would be maintained to insure that no tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment or other lodging materials could be set up in Frank Ogawa Plaza.