From Chris Magnus:
I wanted to provide you with a brief update on this past weekend’s activities in the City of Richmond.  As you know, there was a lot going on and the Richmond Police Department had a significant presence at multiple events.

Chevron/Climate Change Protest
Officers (primarily from the department’s Traffic and special Events Unit) escorted a group of about 1,000 people who marched from the Richmond BART station to the entrance area of the Chevron Refinery (between 11-12 a.m.).  There were no problems with the march.
               Once at the Refinery, the crowd swelled to approximately 2,500 people.  After listening to a group of speakers, approximately one-tenth of the protesters elected to participate in an act of non-violent civil disobedience which involved trespassing on Chevron property just outside of their entrance gate.  The department’s Mobile Field Force (MFF), under the direction of Captain Mark Gagan, coordinated the safety and security detail around the perimeter of Chevron.
               Officers ultimately arrested 209 individuals for Trespassing and 1 person for committing an assault (on another attendee).  The arrest process took several hours, but went very smoothly, with no resistance or lack of cooperation by the arrestees.  The arrested persons were transported to the parking lot behind the Fire Station on Hensley St.  where they were booked and released.  The protest wrapped up around 5 p.m.
               The department received considerable positive feedback (from Chevron, the protesters, and the media) for the manner in which officers did their jobs and interacted with the public.

Gun Buy-Back
               RPD personnel worked with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office (D.A.) to conduct a gun buy-back in the Civic Center parking lot between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Members of the public received gift cards in various amounts for turning in handguns, long guns, assault rifles, and other firearms.  El Cerrito PD assisted RPD and D.A.’s Office personnel with this event.
               A total of 106 firearms were collected through this event (in Richmond).  Similar events were held in Concord and Antioch.   Captain Anthony Williams coordinated the Richmond’s participation in this program.

Prescription Drug Take-Back/Health Fair
               RPD’s Crime Prevention Manager Michele Milam attended two community events.  The first was a Prescription Drug Take-Back for senior citizens and shut-ins in Parchester Village.  The second was a Health Fair, held at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 684 Juliga Woods St.  Both events were successful with no issues or problems reported to the police.

2nd Annual North Richmond Community Block Party and Health Fair
               The Block Party/Fair was held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church.  RPD Explorer Advisers Officers Mark Hall and Jerred Tong led a team of Police Explorers at the event.  

Just a reminder to everyone that the 30th anniversary of National Night Out (NNO) will kick off in front of City Hall at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, August 6th).  Everyone is invited to attend.  There will also be block parties for different neighborhood associations and Watch groups throughout the community.  The celebration will continue in front of City Hall again at 8 p.m.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information.

Chief Chris Magnus