Berkeley Police Department

Please join us in welcoming Communications Center Manager Erin Netz! 👋

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Netz as Berkeley Police Department’s new Communications Center Manager!

Erin grew up in Berkeley and is returning to Berkeley PD after spending the past three years as the Communications Center Manager at NASA Ames Research Center.

During her previous time with Berkeley PD, Erin served in several additional roles, including Dispatch Trainer, Special Response Team Tactical Dispatcher, Acting Supervisor in the Communications Center, and member of BPD’s Recruitment Team.

As a former school teacher, police dispatcher, and communications center manager, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the position. Her unique background will be instrumental as we work to rebuild, modernize, and expand our Communications Center and continue providing the highest level of service to our community.

Welcome back to Berkeley PD, Erin! We are excited to have you back on the team. 👏

🚔 Stolen Vehicle Recovered Within Hours

On Monday evening, Berkeley Police officers arrested a suspect after receiving an alert about a stolen vehicle in the area of Fourth Street and Hearst Avenue.

The vehicle had been reported stolen just a few hours earlier from South Berkeley. Thanks to an alert generated by our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, officers were able to quickly respond to the area and locate the stolen vehicle parked beneath the University Avenue overpass.

The vehicle’s lone occupant was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and additional charges.

This is another example of how technology can help our officers quickly locate stolen vehicles and hold those responsible accountable. 🚔

Case 2026-00044304

🚨Suspect Arrested After Threatening Shelter Resident

Over the weekend, Berkeley Police officers responded to the Men’s Shelter in Downtown Berkeley after receiving a report that a person had threatened another individual at the shelter with brass knuckles and a fi***rm.

The suspect had left the area before officers arrived. About an hour later, officers located and detained the suspect when he returned to the shelter.

During a search, officers recovered a loaded fi***rm and arrested the suspect for brandishing a weapon and being a felon in possession of a fi***rm and am******on.

This incident serves as another reminder of the importance of reporting threats and dangerous behavior to law enforcement. Our officers take these calls seriously and work to keep our community safe.

Case 2026-00044025

🎓 Congratulations to Provisional Lieutenant Quezada on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI), Class 571! 👏

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute is an intensive leadership development program designed to strengthen the skills of first-line supervisors in California law enforcement. The program focuses on leadership, ethics, personal growth, and service to others while challenging participants to further develop their effectiveness as leaders.

The program consists of eight 24-hour sessions—totaling 192 hours of instruction—completed over the course of eight months.

Please join us in congratulating Provisional Lt. Quezada on this accomplishment and his continued commitment to leadership and professional development! 🎉

25 Cited During Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation

Berkeley Police Department issued 25 citations for a variety of violations made by drivers during a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation on September 30, 2026.

25 drivers were cited for violations including 21950(a) VC- failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, 21951 VC – passing vehicle stopped for pedestrian, 23123.5 VC – use of cell phone while driving. 1 vehicle was impounded as the driver was found to be operating their vehicle while their driver license was suspended.

The operation took place at Telegraph Avenue and Carlton Street. 25 people were contacted during the operation.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, with drivers holding the greatest responsibility to keep other road users safe,” Sgt. Dave Harston said. “We hope this operation serves as a reminder to everyone to practice due care and to look out for one another.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

🚨 Training Today to Be Ready Tomorrow

This weekend, several members of the Berkeley Police Department participated in the Guardians of the Bay training exercise, a multi-jurisdictional security exercise designed to test first responders’ readiness during large-scale events and crisis situations.

While exercises like this are traditionally focused on tactical teams, this year’s exercise brought together patrol officers and officers with tactical team training. This blended approach allowed us to bring critical crisis-response skills beyond our specialized teams and into the everyday patrol environment, helping ensure those skills are available in the field when our community needs them most.

Preparedness is a team effort. By training alongside public safety partners and bringing together officers with different areas of expertise, we strengthen our ability to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies.

Train together. Respond together. Keep Berkeley safe. 👮‍♂️🚔

Berkeley Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint September 24

On September 24, 2026, the Berkeley Police Department will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Shattuck Avenue near Parker Street.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk, Sergeant Dave Harston said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

Berkeley Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational ma*****na are legal, driving under the influence of ma*****na is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.