On Tuesday, the Oakley Police Department said they had issued 14 citations for firework violations on the 4th of July holiday.
Oakley is one of the few cities in the area to have actually issued fines over the past few years, which include 6 last year after the city updated its ordinance to include a $1k fine.
- 2021- 27 fines
- 2022- 1 fines
- 2023- 6 fines
- 2014 – 14 citations issued
On Tuesday, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard called fireworks a “polarizing issue for our city” with mixed views of many who are either in favor of fireworks, against fireworks or want a legal show to return.
Beard shared that in 2017, Oakley had 88 calls for services between 9:00 am and 3:00 am of July 5. In 2024, Oakley was 32% below that mark leading the chief to believe they were making progress, noting he believed it would take approximently 5-years for the city to see real progress in reducing July 4 firework activity.
Beard said their operation over the years has scaled up and a lot of planning goes into the operation while using historic data to create a plan for enforcement and collect evidence for a citation. First, however, they aim to educate the community on fireworks while stating violators could face fines.
Lt. Robert Roberts shared information on the operations for the July 4th holiday noting how in the past they had used marked vehicles. But that was ineffective because when people see a marked car, they stop, only to start up again when the officer leaves–noting, they have to observe, enforce and potentially confiscate fireworks or take more corrective actions.
In 2024, Oakley Police used unmarked cars to watch the violations (record it)—this came after social media efforts, partnership with Contra Costa County Fire and signage to educate the community. He said when some folks see a $1k fine, it becomes a shock value.
“When you are working that night in an unmarked car, you are jumping from call to call to call and you may see a violation, you have to stop. I was driving down Laurel Road at 8:00 pm heading towards Teton where we were getting a lot of calls. I had to stop, and started recording with body cameras,” said Roberts. “I had to use GPS and figure out exact location and that person got a citation in the mail. I am now stuck on 15-20 minutes while other violations are occurring. Other officers are doing the same thing.”
Robert said it was a process getting good cases by collecting evidence, so people are held accountable. In the end, a total of 14 citations were issued based on evidence.
Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw said using the unmarked cars was a good idea.
“I just think you guys did a great job and you found something that works and I have faith you will continue to do that,” said Shaw,
Mayor Anissa Williams said she received mixed messages from members of the community regarding the July 4 fireworks. She said to stop fireworks was through increasing the amount of citations.
“I understand peoples concerns with drones but if insurance companies can fly drones over peoples backyards and you cant get renewed for that then it feels like someone conducting an illegal activity is fair game for drones too,” said Williams.
Back on July 10, Contra Costa County Fire provided their report to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors stating firefighters saw a 30% increase in activity on the July 4 holiday when compared to last year.
Calls included:
- 92 total fire (exterior) calls
- 16 vegetation fires
- 13 structure fires
- 128 medical calls.
- 60 other calls along with 8 other fire calls.
Related
- July 10 – Contra Costa County Sees 30% Increase in July 4 Activity
- July 5 – 77 Fire Call Outs as Fireworks Takeover Night Skies in Contra Costa County
- June 26 – Oakley Reminds Residents Fireworks are Illegal
- June 17, 2023 – Oakley Sees Decrease in Fireworks Activity After Increased Fine
