Alameda Police Auditor Reports Increase in Arrests, Use of Force, and Pursuits

ALAMEDA, CA — A new report from the Alameda Police Auditor shows a decrease in calls for service in 2024 but an increase in arrests, low-level use-of-force incidents, and police pursuits.

The Police Auditor’s 2024 Annual Report, which reviews internal affairs cases, arrests, use of force, pursuits, and traffic stops, compares data from 2023 to highlight key trends in law enforcement activity.

“This annual report, along with the monthly reports, provides the public with previously undisclosed information from the Alameda Police Department, reinforcing the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust in law enforcement,” said Police Auditor Dr. Leigh Grossman.

Key Findings:

• Complaints: There were 35 complaint investigations, including 27 internal and 8 public complaints. While internal investigations increased, the percentage of cases with sustained allegations declined.
• Use of Force: Weapon displays decreased by 15-percent, but low-level force incidents rose by 68-percent, correlating with a 23-percent increase in arrests. No use-of-force incidents resulted in serious injury or death.
• Pursuits: Police pursuits jumped from 1 in 2023 to 13 in 2024 following a policy change in August 2024 allowing officers to pursue felony crime suspects.
• Traffic Stops: Traffic stops dropped 17-percent, largely due to a 45-percent decrease in moving violations, though other types of stops increased.

The full 2024 Annual Report is available for download.