Berkeley Copwatch is an all-volunteer organization with the goal to reduce police violence through direct observation and holding police accountable for their actions. Formed in 1990, they seek to educate the public about their rights, police conduct in the Berkeley community and issues related to the role of police in our society at large. For more information visit www.berkeleycopwatch.org.
Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unit was designed to be an alternative to police—let’s keep it that way
As the City of Berkeley prepares to roll out the Specialized Care Unit, let’s not forget where it came from, Berkeley Copwatch writes.
Leaked texts reveal racism, anti-homelessness in BPD
The recently leaked text messages reveal unsurprising truths and create a unique opportunity for Berkeleyans to hold their police force accountable.
Berkeley vehicle dwellers win settlement in court
Despite the wins in the settlement, plaintiffs have yet to receive their vehicle repair and registration stipends.
August invasion of People’s Park sparks more questions than answers
Berkeley Copwatch discusses the fallout of the University's August actions at People's Park.
Organizing for resistance? Know your rights
Protest thoughtfully to keep yourself and others safe, Copwatch writes.
The time to fight for People’s Park is NOW!
The fight for People's Park is heating up, and the time to plug in is now, Copwatch writes.
Berkeley approved their ‘reimagining public safety’ plan. Why does it include more funding for police?
As Berkeley wraps up discussions of their “reimagining public safety” process, Copwatch asks, why are we continuing to fund a racist police force?
Berkeley is ‘reimagining public safety’ all wrong
In 2020, Berkeley committed to reimagining the role of police. Where are we in that process now?
We need compassion, not code enforcement
The city government works in tandem with police to enforce anti-homeless policies.
How Berkeley made it illegal to live in a vehicle
Here are the Berkeley laws effectively make it illegal to live in a vehicle.
Garbage pickup gone wrong: Berkeley’s Homeless Response Team
Berkeley provides garbage pickup to some homeless encampments, but this process is often disruptive and ends in residents losing important possessions. It doesn't have to be this way.
Encampment sweeps on the rise in Berkeley
Berkeley is aggressively enforcing municipal codes that make living on the street illegal, signaling a return to pre-COVID encampment management.
Misinformation about Berkeley’s ‘homeless response’
Berkeley Copwatch writes a response correcting the misinformation in a recent letter by the Berkeley City Manager.
New Berkeley budget takes aim at unhoused community
The City of Berkeley passed a one-year budget on the evening of Tuesday, June 30. Here are some of the implications.