Parking enforcement is absolutely the worst for CONSTANTLY SELECTIVE enforcement. These people turn a blind eye on drivers who block traffic by parking in the middle of roadway, directly under the traffic lights in the intersection, or in the red zone, e.g., blocking the driveway of fire house in downtown. Those who HABITUALLY double, triple park on major streets in downtown and southside in the commercial areas never get cited! On Durant, they instead are asked to "move their cars" by the meter maids. So, does the traffic department make a conscious effort to hire blind people to do the job? Or are those drivers all related by genes or marriage to the meter maids, so they can always get away with creating chaos and disorderliness in this city? Is employment with the traffic department practically a social welfare program for people at risk to combat hunger and potential homelessness? If you get a parking ticket, most likely you are a victim of TARGETED ENFORCEMENT. The meter maid either hates your race or you, and this is what their reptilian brain reflexively instructs them to do about you. Third world country grade enforcement by certified incompetent and shameful people! read more

The Berkeley Police Department is admirable! An officer patiently listened to me about my son's health condition and a misunderstanding that occurred in front of Sutter Berkeley. She offered compassionate advice with her professional insights. Another officer who drove by Sutter Hospital also helped my son and me navigate a safer living situation. I'm truly grateful for the Berkeley Police Department and feel blessed to live in Berkeley! read more

The police got there 1st since we were directly across the street & when he got there he was peeved. At me...! Like I did something wrong... Well I mean I did but not legally. So what tf is his issue I thought but 4 sum reason was more focused on my own dilemma than I was his attitude. But I'll never forget that interaction between me & anyone that night but especially that of thee officer. Because you see in my mind (at that time) I could understand why bad ppl or oppressed ppl rob (not justifying it but it's not hard 2 get) but what I can't justify is a cop who's sole responsibility & purpose is 2 protect & serve not protecting & not serving. When I politely asked him (w/ 3 fresh holes in me & moaning in pain) what his problem was cuz usually in these situations the cop assists the victim not victimize the innocent. I'll never forget his bologna headed response, "C'mon! Please! Save it. That innocent sh!t is way overblown..!" I looked on now w/ the pain of disbelief at what's before me, puzzled & perplexed I felt a myriad of emotions inside of me. & he followed up, w/out missing a beat, "Victim today, criminal tomorrow!" He told me this as I laid in current agonizing pain & as the paramedics were preparing 2 place me in the back of their ambulance. I responded back 2 him w/out missing a beat & out of anger 4 his apparent lack of courtesy, professionalism & most of all empathy. "Why I could say the same thing about you...! KKKop today KKKriminal tomorrow...!" Sure I don't have 2 tell, but he ain't like that & so conversation that day was done. read more

Officers are great. Front desk staff is useless and makes your life more difficult during hard times. Especially the two front ladies that help with release forms. My parents were on vacation and car was stolen, we are from a different city. They demand they needed a notarized wet signature when my parents were out of the county in order to get the release forms. I rush to a fedex to get everything printed just for the front desk lady and supervisor to tell me the "g" is not crossed the same...seems like they didn't want to help me because they were closing at 2pm. They need to have proper signature forensic training because everything else was the same but they decided to give me a hard time. The moment she saw I was frustrated the supervisor acted like a child and was like "I'm done" some patience for being a civil service worker. I ended up having to leave again to the fedex, having print a picture of my parents holding the paper and signed again. Had to go to the after hours window which they gave me the release with no issue and barely looked at the "g".... What could've been 1-2hrs process turned into 5-6hrs... we were victims of crimes and they treated us like criminals. read more

Refused to take police report although I had already discussed the case with the DA who asked that Berkeley Police investigate. I was treated rudely as if I was the perpetuator of the crime rather than the victim. read more

Hello. It's 1am on Monday night. No cars are on the street anywhere in Berkeley, because it's 1am, and it's Berkeley. Twelve cruisers are speeding down University Ave, sirens blaring, at 1am, in Berkeley. Last night, Sunday night, 2am, cruisers are speeding down University Ave, sirens blaring, despite the fact there are NO CARS on the street, because it's 2am, in Berkeley. Berkeley is not San Francisco. Is there any way BPD can respectfully shut the f--- up at night. Thank you. read more

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I went in to the berkeley police Dept to pick up a report and the woman behind the counter were rude and had smug attitudes towards me.I dont know why they were like this but it was uncomfortable. There is no reason for them to treat people bad . They are secretaries and should not act as if they are police on a bad call. read more

Berkeley Parking Enforcement (aka Meter Maids) use bizzaro strict tactics to write tickets. Get this.....Im in a YELLOW zone, sitting in a pickup truck with commercial plates.....and a male Meter Maid says I cannot occupy a space if Im in the truck. I can only be actively loading or unloading. What about contractors? So he says I have 5 mins to leave or get a ticket. read more

Is 2018.... Robbers 'run down' Willard student on bike, take her backpack-another child gets robbed and there still no report done by the police. I got hit by another vehicle last Sunday and when we called the police me and the other driver because I was t-bone, they asked if we need it an ambulance we said no because we were freaked out so they said "oh ok than we don't need to come or do a report" really? Where is our tax money going? There is too many robberies and really bad things happening and Berkeley cops are always just hanging out on four street or north Berkeley where things are great! Any where else you go, Walnut Creek, Orinda,Concord even Emeryville and Oakland has a great presence of policeman...that's why all the thugs know Berkeley's a target and no police reports unless you are dying. What a shame! read more

Lt. Okis from BPD is Kind, Insightful, Gracious, Open, Honest, Transparent, Positive Energy Good Vibes, Inspiring and with Great World View. If you have real Concerns or Questions about your experience with BPD i highly recommend talking to Lt. Okis about your concerns. Lt. Okis helped to raise my BPD experience from the bad first time experience it was to a very good BPD experience, he did not talk down to me he spoke with me on a more human to human level and with the level of integrity many of us hope for in our law enforcement leaders. Not one moment did he make me feel like I was wasting his time. He differed in a100 ways good from the negative police stories we are reminded of. I greatly appreciate the good guys like Lt. Okis who work in this tough profession fighting the good fight. Hopefully so do you. God Bless Lt. Okis and all of the Good Guy Police out here coming to work everyday putting it all on the line to help make our world a better place. read more

Great Police Department. They helped me with a family emergency today, and they were super efficient and really caring. God Bless them!

I have had to call the Berkeley police several times to reports various incidents over the last year. Each time they have been helpful, conscientious and direct when dealing with my problem. When I was having an ongoing issue, they opened up a case file, and continued to add to it as I reported more information regarding the case. They have always called back promptly in regards to the incidents I reported, and were able to resolve the issues peacefully and promptly. When I witnessed a violent incident outside my place of residence, and called 9-11 the police arrived within one minute. They were able to calm both parties down and prevent the incident from escalating into outright blows. Neither party was arrested and the issue was resolved peacefully. Berkeley is not only a high crime city, it is a city where many people demonstrate a distinct lack of respect for the police. Given these difficult conditions, I believe the Berkeley police department has done an outstanding job at maintaining professionalism and resolving issues within the community. Thank you for your service, Berkeley PD! read more

A friend of mine had the same experience I had almost 30 years ago, so I will relate this here. He, like I, had his wallet stolen in Berkeley, in one of the outdoor equipment stores. A while later, he was called by the BPD to come pick up his wallet. When he arrived, he was asked for ID. When he said that all of his ID was in the wallet, he was told that it was irrelevant. He had to go home and get something to show "proof", even though his picture was on the DMV licence that was in the wallet. Perhaps this is understandable these days, but it would have been nice if he were told beforehand. read more

I used to have some respect for these guys. That respect is gone. I had my first car accident last night in downtown Berkeley. The lazy cop who showed up said "no injuries, no police report. this goes through insurance". He looked at me and drove off. Is this the best you can do? I wish you were sent to East Los Angeles where the real action is. read more

Aside from getting street sweeping tickets which suck, my experiences where I've corresponded with BPD have generally been good... They've always been pretty responsive, even with little things. Here's briefly a few of my experiences... I currently live in a kind of sketchy part of Berkeley. I call them whenever I hear gun shots. Usually within minutes I'll see a patrol car rolling down the street. One time after I called in about gun shots, they came knocking at my door. Apparently they found casings on the street and wanted to know more about what I heard. It made me feel like they really took it seriously. Some years ago I was living alone in another apartment and some unknown guy was knocking at my door at 3 am, trying to open and get in. It scared the crap out of me and I called the cops. After they showed up I think I remember they informed me over the phone he was drunk and now sitting in the back of a cop car (presumably on his way to spend the night in the drunk tank). So I think he was a drunk guest of one of my neighbors who tried to wander into the wrong apartment, and maybe I overreacted but dude I was scared and alone, and who knows who he could have been. I've also called the non-emergency line when some kids were noisily partying it up late on a weeknight. Hey I like having a drunken good time too sometimes but at 1 am on a weeknight, some people need to get up early the next day and want to sleep. (I feel like an old fart when I write that) The dispatcher on the phone asked me for my general location and said they'd send someone to check it out. Overall just props in general for doing a tough job, dealing with some situations and people that I personally wouldn't want to... good rating from me. read more

Apparently I now owe on a 123 dollar ticket I've never heard or received a notification for. The officer didn't even write the street name on the ticket, just the number of the building but NO STREET. O_o That could be anywhere in town, so I can't even trace back to see if I deserved to get a ticket. Worse, because I never got notice on my windshield or in the mail, it is too late to contest this mystery ticket from non-existent street. City of Berkeley I am Furious! EDIT: I still give the parking/ticket service at berkeley 1 star, but I don't want to reflect on the actual cops of berkeley who have been kind, and not ridiculous in their application of the law. I had a friend with some domestic violence disputes and I won't get into it, but berkeley cops were very patient and helpful. Seriously though ya'll, fix this parking this, but besides that, good cops for a great city! read more

Berkeley PD, thanks for being so tolerant of my drunken friends. I'm only going to only share 2 stories since I don't want to make it seem like I have more than 2 run-ins with Berkeley PD. In my sophomore or junior year at Berkeley, my friends threw this crazy loud ass party so naturally, they called the police on us. "Berkeley Police!!! Open up!!!" My friend opens the door. "Hi, I've received complaints about your party from your neighbors. So this is what you need to do. Keep the doors closed, close your windows, turn down the music a bit, and I won't be out here again tonight." I guess my friend was really surprised so in her drunken state, she asked him to have a drink with us. He laughed and she kept on egging him. He left. It was quite a sight to see. In my senior year, we threw a going away party/deportation party for our Israeli friend who lost his student VISA because he basically failed all his classes. It was one crazy party and the cops come around 2 in the morning. They shut down our party and my huge drunken Israeli friend comes running out and put his arm around the cop. I was scared for my friend because we have all heard stories about how cops overreact and touching them is a big no-no, even in a friendly manner. I wouldn't have been surprised if the cop gave him a beatdown. But the cop took it all in stride and joked with my buddy for a bit. My buddy started yelling out how he knew krav maga since he was in the IDF and he would love to give the cops a lesson sometimes when he was sober. The cops even let my friend get a picture with them. read more

PREFACE: If you're wondering why all the most recent posts are from privileged, entitled students or rich people who clearly hate poor people more than they understand the role of policing, this review is for you. My review will not focus on the homeless, since that's a much larger issue than any cops can or should single-handedly address. I'm also not going to complain about protests, an inherently sticky issue anywhere in the world. Rather, I will focus on the lack of training and professionalism evident in Berkeley police officers, which effects all of those things. Side note: I'm focusing on Berkeley police, not UC police, though they're related. I'm also not hating on the officers; they're often nice people who just weren't trained on more than the bare minimum of procedure. (FYI, hate speech is not free speech, so comments about BPD being the enforcers of Antifa are just plain wrong. Antifa has many complaints of its own about BPD, and "conservatives" need to be more careful about associating personal beliefs with professional critiques, though I don't expect them to understand that. This review is for people with a healthy distrust of American cops, not a blind and un-examined hatred of poor people. Berkeley is not a filthy hole, just another city with a complicated past and present. If you're more upset about its grime and homeless population, it's probably because you have a limited perspective on the world. Your sheltered life is not your fault, but it is something to know about before commenting on the world at large...) REVIEW: No one at this department knows what they're doing. In my interactions with them (and, for the record, every Alameda Sheriff's officer I ran into), most of their conversations were debates about how to do their jobs. Seriously, from beginning to end, everyone had questions about the basics of their daily job. How to fill out this form, how to process this kind of case, when things are happening, who should know what, where superior officers are in the building. The entire system is a scary farce. They're writing tickets and making arrests to prove they do something, but a lot of it is legwork for show. In the end, they're mostly just newbs who are confused about the role of policing. Admittedly, in a police state like the U.S., that's a tricky issue, but training should cover at least half of that confusion. From what I saw, I can only assume training is a two week coarse on how to wear the uniform, not what to do once it's on... Again, nice people. But niceness doesn't get stuff done. Often, this kind of obliviousness leads to more injustice in our already imbalanced and hodge-podge "justice" system. Train police better, and they might be less likely to eff up left and right... Just an idea. read more

i was riding my small electric cruiser bicycle past berkeley high school about 1 year ago. The road was closed to thru traffic but i did not see the sign that indicated bicycles as well. A cop with 3 or 4 other cops yells, hey stop! i slow down and stop , and he says, did you not see the sign saying it is closed to traffic? i reply i did not see anything about bikes. He says you cannot ride through here. So i say ok ill leave now and ride off. He yells again you have to walk your bike. There was no pedestrians, crowds, or people around, just a small table set up of 3 women, on the sidewalk, a pretty dead scene , foot traffic wise. A cop with an authoritarian complex. read more

Excellent organization, had great interaction with local PD over a traffic stop misunderstanding, really appreciate their understanding.

The only reason why I'm giving them one star is because you have to in order to leave a review. I would think twice when moving into Berzerky. I was involved in an accident during lunch time at Ashby & Shattuck. One of the most busiest intersections in town w/no camaras! I had the green light going south when a car ran the red heading north on Ashby. I didn't have any time to react and hit them. I was stunned at what just happened and didn't think of getting any witnesses' testimonies as I was more concerned with the other occupants. Hard lesson to learn now. I didn't think there was going to be an issue until I heard the occupants saying "they had the green light." Police report and photos were taken. My van is totalled, and I suffered whiplash. Since there are no witnesses and they other party is claiming they had the green light their insurance denied my claim. I still wasn't too concerned cause I thought PD would do a traffic anaylsis since they have the personnel on staff to do them. And, especially when both parties are saying the same thing! So I email the officier who took the report asking why wouldn't they do the analysis. His reponse was because it's feasible!?! WTF.....for whom....They don't want to do their due diligence in finding a resolution for either party and pass the buck back to the resident. And you wonder why CA is most the most litigious state in the US. An attorney won't take my case not unless I had a witness. Now why would I need an attorney if I had a witness. Is everyone really that stupid or what? Why have insurance companies or police departments when neither one of them want to do there stupid ass jobs? Totally frustrated, and would never move to Berzerky. Don't even move to California if you're contemplating it. It's overrated, overinflated, pay the highest taxes, an entitlement state see where I'm going with this? read more

I got pulled over last night in Berkeley at about 11.30pm - the first time in my 28 years of driving. My front light was out but when I turned from automatic to manual it worked again. I just wish I had got the Officers name - she was so polite so professional and kind. Thank you for the brave incredible job you all do and the amazing way in which you conduct yourselves. This British girl had a great story to tell friends !!! read more

We had an incident at a financial institution with a homeless man and the first two officers on the scene was heist and turney. I must say they handled the situation really well! There were actually several officers but i didn't get their names. They were really calm when the homeless man was yelling and started to bang on the desk. They were also on the scene super quick!Thank you! read more

I have no idea what the police even do here. Stopped by to get a fix-it ticket (for tinted windows) signed, and was directed to CHP in Oakland. Any police officer can sign off on that citation, and when I tried to politely explain that to the receptionist, she got a hard look on her face and said that no police officer at this station would check my windows. I was literally parked right outside, and it would've taken someone two minutes max to step out and sign off on my citation. Meanwhile, officers were drinking coffee and chatting with the other receptionists in plain view from where I was standing. It'd be one thing if the police were out fighting crime or cleaning up the streets or whatever, but chilling and refusing to get off their butts for a MINUTE at 2pm on a Monday? Incredibly frustrating. Not happy to be a taxpayer right now. read more

I wanted to say THANKS to Berkeley P.D. for sending about 6 or 7 huge police officers to my apartment the other night when someone was trespassing/sneaking around my apartment deck at 3 am. I looked out the window as I sleepy exited the bathroom and a man was staring right in my window at me and would not leave. He just froze there as I yelled to get of my property ( this person traveled up flights of stairs even). I was scared shitless being half asleep and all. Berkeley PD showed up about 15 mins later and although I live in the ghetto and in a falling apart building, they still did a sweep in and around the building and and asked me all the info they could. They really took the time to make me feel better. Thanks Berkeley PD! read more

I grew up in the East Bay, went to K-8th in Berkeley & any time I've encountered BPD, they have been nothing but reasonable & helpful. There's really not a lot of support from the public for this department (any police department these days) but especially in Berkeley. Thanks for dealing so calmly with all the madness, thanks for managing all the horrible things you see... Can't even begin to imagine! Anyway, just thought this was a long overdue review after so much recent judgement & misinformation by the media has been proliferated. read more

I'm incredibly grateful to the Berkeley police for a number of reasons: 1) When I lived in a really crummy neighborhood, the beat officer gave us his cell phone so that we could call directly when there was a crime going on. 2) When Summit Hospital sent me a letter saying my identity had been stolen from their computer system, a Berkeley police officer helped me file a report right away and was sympathetic to this ordeal. 3) Whenever I call, whoever answers, is very pleasant and on times when I've needed to meet with an officer, I feel comfortable and secure. I don't know about other police officers in other areas of the country, but I'm quite pleased with Berkeley Police Force and have found them to be dedicated to the safety of neighborhoods and really easy to talk with them. read more

Helpful when needed, but seriously, I think they have better things to do than pulling me over while I'm coasting at 30 mph in a 25 mph zone. Shouldn't they be out catching real criminals instead of bullying us? I've seen them work, and they do both good things and things that are questionable at best. But I can't say they are completely evil either by giving them anything less than three stars. I'm just saying, they can certainly improve. read more

i found myself in a situation end of last year that required assistance from the police. I was extremely impressed with the police and how nice and helpful they were to me. I know everyone comes across that cop who's being a complete asshole. But i dealt with several during my situation and all of them were nothing but overly nice. Like, what's wrong with you, you're a cop, you're not supposed to be this nice, kinda nice!! Granted, i'm sure my ex would say differently..... read more

I've lived in Berkeley on and off for more than 15 years. The Berkeley PD pretty much hassle you for money in any way they can. I was pulled over a few weeks ago by an officer by north berkeley Bart, he claimed because my brights were on. Not only were my bights NOT on, which I proved to him, i'm in a 2006 prius, so even if they were they are still nowhere as bright as the normal light levels on other cars. He's even acting like he's doing me a favor. I've been hassled with fix-it tickets. If I were an attractive woman I'm pretty sure the conversation would be "excuse me ma'am, your brake light is out. You should have that fixed have a good night" But instead they have to threaten me with court action and fines to get a 20$ repair for something I didn't know was broken. Now I have 2 problems, dealing with the light AND the ticket. thanks officer! I've been "pulled over" on foot too for jaywalking. Which would be fine, except there were about 20 of us doing it at once on an empty street in downtown Berkeley. Why don't you focus on some REAL crime you jerks. read more

I've always stood up for the men in blue. Until now. Your department and Chief are a disgrace to the uniform. What you've done to the reputation of police everywhere is a damn shame. Your Chief needs to be arrested, and the rest of you who "stand down" on his orders, instead of protecting peaceful citizens need to find work in a McDonalds kitchen somewhere where no one will count on you for anything. Anyone that can see this link - please share. Demand the arrest of the Berkeley Chief of Police now! https://wearechange.org/berkeley-mayor-member-militant-leftist-group-orchestrates-riots/ read more

1 star but more like 0 stars for horrible service from people who are suppose to "serve & protect" I called in at 4:19am non emergency line to report disturbance from my neighbor who is bipolar, who has episodes when he doesn't take his medication. Woke up myself & my 2 kids who are a year & a half & 2 and a half months. So it's 5:10am & still no one has even come by. How awful. The landlord has advised me to call the police, the neighbors own family advised me to call the police but what's the point of calling if they don't even come out?! GREAT job BPD! In the most sarcastic voice! read more

Truly disappointed with the department's handling of the protesters over the past few days. I was in L.A when the protests started there and LAPD had things much more grounded. LAPD seemed to offer some space to the protesters and tried not to move against them (as reported by the local news stations). Not up here. Very unfortunate the scene in Berkeley. It looked like the cops just went into auto-attack. read more

The police reception and Property Dept. as well as Police themselves were easy to work with , efficient and professional in helping my daughter with a stolen wallet collection and return. read more

Easy breezy to take care of fix-it ticket from Alameda County Sheriff. I had a tail light out so I got a ticket and had to fix the bulb. Once fixed, I needed an officer to sign off on it. So I stopped in here and within 15 minutes, a lieutenant came out to inspect the tail light and I was merrily on my way. read more

Just heard 5-6 gunshots at 12:10 or so. Called it in. A BPD cruiser showed up in less than 5 minutes. Two more showed up in a few minutes more. The guys got out of the car with a flashlights. (good to know they weren't just sitting in the car!) As of 12:25 I count 4 cruisers doing patrols. Don't think they found anything yet but it feels good to know of their fast response time. Good job! read more

Took Berkeley pd to COURT and the BERKELEY POLICE OFFICER never showed up. Case was dismissed! Does that mean I lied?

This is for the Berkeley non-emergency police. Two stars off for the rushed, rude staff who treat callers like nuisances. Three stars for the fact that because they are associated with cops who do serve, the issues one calls them for - such as unlawful parking for weeks on Bancroft, get handled well. read more

I lost my ATM card and someone tried to use it. The PD officer assisting me took my statement and then went to two separate gas stations and ultimately recovered it. He was polite and considerate the whole time. Also, conveniently my report and all follow-ups were done over the phone! read more

While parked in Northside Berkeley, my car was mysteriously damaged. It's not repairable--the front end is about two feet shorter than it was. The Berkeley Police Department had it towed away, but made no effort to contact me. When I returned from my errands, the car was gone. I called the police department to find out if the car had been towed. The PD said yes, but did not mention that the car was damaged beyond repair. They gave me the name of the wrong towing company, which after a runaround told me to call the police department back and tell them that company had "the red camarro" instead. After more runaround at the police department they gave me the name of the company that towed my car, but still did not tell me I wouldn't be able to drive it. I took a bus to the towing company where I learned for the first time that my car was totaled. The driver who towed my car told me two other cars were also destroyed by some crazy person slamming into them. I wound up stranded in a sketchy area in Oakland with no way to get home. My car was left sitting in the street outside the towing company's yard; I suppose it has probably been stripped or stolen by now. This morning the police department refused to give me any information about the event, the damage, whether the person who did the damage was apprehended, or how my insurance company can get in touch with them. A total nightmare. Extremely bad communication. Also bad follow-up on an enraged vehicle driver who slammed into a number of vehicles and may still be at large. read more