Alameda’s Chief of Police, Nishant Joshi
by Shannon Reese for Alameda’s Bay East Association of REALTORS®, AIMM Marketing committee
Are you curious about the latest developments shaping the community of Alameda? Want to gain insight into how recent changes in the police department's leadership are positively impacting the quality of life in Alameda? Look no further.
In a recent meeting of the AIMM Inforum Marketing committee, hosted at Windermere Bay Area Properties’ office for the Bay East Alameda Realtor Association, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Alameda's new Police Chief, Nishant Joshi, and his Captain, Jeffrey Emmitt. I break down the latest wide-ranging topics from the police's point of view, as they share their vision for a thriving Alameda.
Who’s the Chief?
Alameda’s Chief of Police for the last 2 years, Nishant Joshi, embarked on his journey in law enforcement with the Oakland Police Department back in 1998. Throughout his esteemed career, he’s had vital leadership roles, including his promotion to Captain in 2014. In February 2021, Chief Joshi assumed the position of Deputy Chief at OPD, further solidifying his commitment to serving the community. Armed with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Hayward, and an M.A. degree in Organizational Leadership from Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Chief Joshi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
The Recruitment Struggle is Real
The Alameda Police Department is facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining police officers, leading to a high vacancy rate of 30%. With the changing dynamics and increased scrutiny of law enforcement, finding qualified candidates has become increasingly difficult.
Chief Joshi said, “The department is experiencing a lack of candidates as compared to the past. Twenty years ago there might have been 650 applicants for three open positions. However, these days we might only get 50 applicants for 25 openings. So things have really changed. We want our community to know that Alameda invests in a rigorous testing process, including written and physical abilities tests, oral board interviews, and personal background checks so even using our most rushed timeframe, the earliest we can offer a position is 60 days.”
He went on to say that candidates also undergo a polygraph examination to assess their personal growth and integrity. Up until recently, this meticulous high-standards approach has not attracted top-tier candidates, but things are beginning to change with a new recruiting incentive. We’ll get to those details in a minute.
Chief Joshi speaks at Bay East Realtors’ AIMM May Marketing Meeting as Captain Jeffrey Emmitt (far right) looks on
It Takes Time
Even after passing the initial screening, candidates face further interviews, tests, and eventually enrollment in the Police Academy, which can take up to six months. With expedited processes, it still takes an average of 13 months to replace an officer. In the last two years, 26 officers have left the department, half of whom chose to retire or pursue other careers.
Building New Leadership
Recognizing the need for fresh leadership, the department is focused on recruiting and nurturing young talent. However, the current environment has created a stigma around being a police officer. The scrutiny and split-second decision-making required in the field have deterred many potential candidates.
Efforts to Improve
Chief Joshi also stated, “The Alameda Police Department enjoys strong community support, evident from our 11,000 social media followers and the city's commitment to providing incentives for recruitment. A $75,000 recruitment incentive has been introduced, resulting in seven pending hires and the potential to attract more qualified candidates, so we’re really excited to see this beginning to show results.” He added that the department's goal is to combat crime through a comprehensive approach involving prevention, intervention, enforcement, and community outreach.
Enhancing Accountability and Technology
The department has established geographic sections, led by a lieutenant of police for each area, including one for the business districts. This approach promotes a sense of accountability and enables effective monitoring and evaluation of operations. Technology also plays a crucial role, with in-car cameras providing real-time recordings to ensure transparency and validate police actions. The recently begun use of License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology aids in identifying vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Community Engagement
Captain Jeffrey Emmitt expressed, “The Alameda Police Department is actively engaged in building relationships with the community. We recognize the importance of de-escalation techniques and timely response to priority calls, which take less than four minutes on average.” He further noted that through community meetings, surveys, and programs like Neighborhood Watch, they aim to foster trust and collaboration with residents.
Ongoing Training
To ensure officers are well-equipped, the department emphasizes continuous training, ranging from 12 to 120 hours per year. This training focuses on legal understanding, policy compliance, and best practices in law enforcement.
What does all this mean?
The Alameda Police Department faces significant challenges in recruitment and retention, driven by changing perceptions and intense scrutiny. Despite these obstacles, they are actively working to rebuild their ranks with qualified candidates while fostering community relationships. Through initiatives like Neighborhood Watch and continuous training, they strive to enhance public safety. By understanding the efforts and struggles of law enforcement, the community can play a vital role in supporting and working alongside the police to create a better environment for all.
Next AIMM Meeting
Are you a local Alameda Realtor? Join us at our next Alameda Inforum Marketing meeting on Tue, June 12th (always the 2nd Tue of the month) for the latest from Bay East President, Steve Medeiros - he’ll bring us up-to-speed on compelling developments from C.A.R.’s Legislative Day that you won’t want to miss.
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