Newly created role will oversee campus security as part of the Peralta Community College District’s innovative holistic approach to public safety and restorative justice

At their regular meeting on November 9, 2021, the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Timothy “Tim” Thomas as the Director of Public Safety serving the District and its four colleges. The Director of Public Safety is a new role created as part of the District’s vision for a holistic community-oriented approach to campus safety and security. Mr. Thomas, who has extensive experience as both a law enforcement officer and a college educator, will start on November 15, 2021.

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.

Due to the continuing Alameda County directive to shelter in place, the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees met via Zoom on June 23, 2020. This meeting was epic. Clocking in at 5 hours and 40 minutes or so, the meeting included a landmark vote on the District's relationship with Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) which helped draw 100 speakers for the public comment section of the meeting. Additionally, this meeting was the last for Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Laney College President, and Dr. Timothy Karas, College of Alameda President. The full video recording of the meeting is available on the Peralta YouTube channel here. 

On June 23, 2020, Peralta Community College District hosted a Community Forum to discuss the intersection of race with security and policing service. Community input is very important to Peralta Community College District as we reimagine and update the way campus security and law enforcement is managed by the District.  Speakers included: