DRUG HOTLINE GOES MULTILINGUAL

The Oakland Police Department is now able to receive confidential
information about suspected illegal drug activity from tipsters who speak
languages other than English. The police department's drug hotline, at
510-238-DRUG or 510-238-3784, is now available for use by those who speak
Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.

The hotline, which allows residents to provide anonymous tips about
suspected drug dealing in their neighborhoods, has existed since the mid-1980s.

Its transition to include languages other than English was conducted by
Oakland's Equal Access Office, which was created a year ago after the City
Council passed an ordinance requiring all city agencies to make services
available in languages spoken by 10,000 or more Oakland residents.

Police Chief Richard Word said that community involvement can help to make
a difference in fighting drug activity by allowing police to deploy their
services more efficiently. He added that expanding the services to
non-English speakers will make the service more effective.

"By working together, the Oakland Police Department and neighborhood
residents can reduce crime and make neighborhoods safer," Word said. "We
encourage our non-English speaking community members to call the anonymous
drug hotline."

When placing an anonymous tip, callers should give all pertinent
information including the addresses where drug-dealing is suspected, where
drugs may be hidden, descriptions of drug dealers and their vehicles and
the time of the activity.