On Tuesday June 23, 2020, the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees took an historic step by unanimously voting to terminate the District’s contract with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) after a six-month extension ending December 31, 2020.

Tuesday’s vote was the culmination of more than a year of planning, thoughtful discussion and public input. There has been a desire for some time to work towards a community policing model. There has long been a desire to make the District’s public safety program more inclusive and reflect the values of our community.

The six-month extension approved by the Board of Trustees preserves the current level of service provided to the District by ACSO through the end of year and allows for a smooth transition towards a community policing model. An RFP for a community centered vendor has already been issued. We're moving forward, with full engagement with community leaders, campus leaders, students, and civic partners to find the right partner or partners.

These last few weeks have been both shocking and transformational. The outrage people feel at the murders of black men at the hands of police is finally at a tipping point resulting in real change. Here at the District, we have been at the forefront of the discussions about police reform and how to create safe, respectful spaces for everyone. Tuesday’s vote was the next step in that process.