Oakland Police honor officers for de‑escalation, community outreach at Feb. 10 meeting

The Town of Oakland on Feb. 10 recognized members of the Oakland Police Department for a series of incidents and community programs in late 2025, praising officers for de‑escalation and outreach.

Police leadership recounted specific incidents that led to commendations. The department awarded Officer David Hall a commendation after a November 2025 missing‑person call where he located a youth reportedly targeted in an online catfishing incident and followed up later to provide mentoring and support. The chief described Hall’s follow‑up as voluntary, saying it “is an example of the community policing that makes Oakland Police Department so good.”

The commission also commended Officers Hayes and Corporal Sean Dozier for an Nov. 22, 2025 response in which officers de‑escalated a young person who was armed and reportedly expressed intent to die; the chief said the officers secured the individual and arranged mental‑health transport without using force. Corporal Dozier was later named officer of the year for 2025; the chief said the awards committee’s selection reflected “his continued community engagement.”

Officer Brianna Fernandez received two commendations: one for interviewing and calming a hysterical victim after an alleged battery reported Dec. 6, and another for locating a missing 17‑year‑old autistic juvenile on Dec. 30 during a multi‑agency search. In the latter case the chief said Fernandez’s radio and cell phone failed inside a restaurant, prompting her to activate an emergency radio button to alert nearby units and to keep the juvenile calm by giving the youth her cell phone.

The department also recognized dozens of officers and staff for a Dec. 17 "shop with a cop" event that used donated funds and gift cards to allow 23 children to shop with officers. The chief credited Lieutenant Renee Castro with fundraising and coordinating the event; Castro received a quarterly recognition for organizing a 5K fundraiser and securing donations and vehicle wraps that supported department programs.

The ceremony emphasized the department’s focus on de‑escalation and community engagement. Commissioner remarks following the presentations highlighted admiration for the officers’ compassion and problem‑solving in crisis situations.

The commission did not take formal policy action during the awards presentation. The meeting moved on to routine business after acknowledgments and applause.