(HKR-03-14-25) In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Cat Brooks of the Anti Police Terror Project (APTP) to discuss a controversial development: Northeastern University’s proposal to establish a private police force to patrol East Oakland. The conversation unpacked the implications of privatized policing, accountability concerns, and the broader issue of public safety in the city.
Northeastern University’s Private Police Proposal
Formerly known as Mills College, Northeastern University’s Oakland campus is attempting to implement a private police force that would extend its jurisdiction beyond the campus, patrolling surrounding East Oakland neighborhoods. This plan, according to Brooks, was devised without consulting local residents, raising concerns about transparency and community representation.
Brooks highlighted that the initiative was spearheaded by Clay Burch, a former Oakland Police Department (OPD) officer known for overseeing the violent Wood Street encampment eviction. Alongside two non-resident proponents, Burch worked with Northeastern to push the plan forward.
The Larger Issue: Privatization of Law Enforcement
Davey D and Brooks connected this proposal to a troubling trend—the privatization of policing. Historical precedents include Apple’s private police task force, which had full police powers and arrested a suspect in Emeryville, and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which once operated a law enforcement-like entity to combat bootlegging. These instances underscore a growing concern: Who holds private police accountable, and to whom do they report?
Northeastern’s proposed force would not be under Oakland’s jurisdiction, meaning any misconduct—including excessive force or civil rights violations—would lack local oversight. If lawsuits arise, Oakland taxpayers, not Northeastern University, could bear the financial burden.
Oversaturation of Law Enforcement in Oakland
Brooks dismantled the argument that adding more police improves public safety. Oakland already has seven different law enforcement agencies operating within its borders, including OPD, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, BART Police, East Bay Regional Parks Police, and federal agencies like ICE and the FBI.
Despite this heavy police presence, Oakland remains on the list of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. each year. Brooks argued that increasing law enforcement has not resolved crime issues and instead exacerbates racial profiling, police brutality, and community terror.
A Call for Investment in Community Needs
Rather than more police, East Oakland residents have expressed a need for improved infrastructure, such as repairing hazardous roads like MacArthur Boulevard, reducing traffic accidents, and addressing transit safety concerns. A recent survey showed that safety concerns in the community stem more from systemic neglect than from a lack of policing.
Brooks urged city officials and Northeastern University to redirect the proposed $20 million police budget toward these pressing community needs, emphasizing that investing in the well-being of Oakland residents would yield far greater safety benefits than expanding law enforcement.
Implications for the Future
The privatization of police could set a dangerous precedent. If Northeastern is successful, other corporations and universities may follow suit, further fragmenting law enforcement accountability and creating de facto enclaves of corporate-controlled policing.
Davey D pointed out that if this initiative gains traction, it could inspire national adoption, particularly under a federal administration supportive of increased law enforcement presence in urban areas. The conversation concluded with a warning: this is not just an Oakland issue, but a glimpse into the potential future of law enforcement across the country.
What Can Be Done?
APTP is mobilizing against the proposal, calling for:
- Increased public awareness and pressure on city officials.
- Engagement in community-led safety initiatives.
- Legal scrutiny of the plan’s legitimacy.
Brooks encouraged residents to stay informed, participate in community surveys, and advocate for investments in long-term safety solutions. Those interested in supporting APTP’s efforts can visit their website at antipoliceterrorproject.org and follow their updates on social media.
As Oakland faces a critical decision about the role of privatized policing, the voices of its residents must be at the forefront. This Hard Knock Radio discussion serves as a vital reminder that public safety must prioritize accountability, equity, and true community investment over expanding law enforcement’s reach.
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