Oakland Expands Public Transparency with GIS-Based Police Calls Application

The City of Oakland has strengthened its open data initiative with the release of the Oakland Police Department (OPD) Calls for Service web application. Developed using geographic information system technology on the Esri ArcGIS platform, the interactive map provides residents with near real-time access to police call activity. The application is available through both OPD and municipal websites, offering direct public visibility into community-level incidents.

This launch represents another milestone in Oakland’s broader effort to enhance transparency and encourage civic engagement through accessible digital tools.

Real-Time 911 Data Delivered Through GIS

The application was engineered by the city’s Information Technology Department using ArcGIS GeoEvent Extension for Server. This technology enables continuous, minute-by-minute updates of incidents recorded within the previous 24 hours. Data is streamed directly from OPD’s 911 computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, allowing the public to monitor reported activity across neighborhoods.

Police Chief Sean Whent emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency, noting that the Calls for Service platform helps provide meaningful and timely information to Oakland residents.

Through the GIS framework, users can visualize a broad range of call types—from theft reports to noise complaints—mapped geographically for intuitive exploration. Certain sensitive incidents are excluded to safeguard victim privacy and ensure public safety, according to OPD guidelines.

Building a Secure and Scalable GIS Infrastructure

Ahsan Baig, Division Manager of Public Safety Services and Business Applications for Oakland, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the system’s development. Working closely with Esri, the city established a robust, secure, and scalable GIS environment that supports first responders, municipal staff, and residents alike.

The interactive crime map concept originated from coordinated planning sessions involving the city’s communications, GIS, and technical teams. One of the primary objectives was to streamline responses to public records requests. Instead of waiting extended periods for information, residents can now obtain immediate insights into OPD operations through the online interface.

Chief Whent noted that providing self-service access to live data fosters a broader understanding of community activity, reinforcing trust and civic empowerment.

Rapid Deployment and Future Enhancements

The custom JavaScript application was completed in under three months—marking the city’s first deployment of the GeoEvent Extension. Oakland has maintained an enterprise licensing agreement with Esri for more than a decade, leveraging GIS solutions across multiple departments.

Beyond the Calls for Service tool, OPD has implemented a map-based operational dashboard for command staff. Plans are underway to develop a comparable application for the Oakland Fire Department and to potentially integrate an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system for public safety fleets.

About Esri

Founded in 1969, Esri is a global leader in geographic information systems. Its technology supports spatial analysis and mapping across more than 350,000 organizations worldwide, including major cities, national governments, Fortune 500 companies, and academic institutions. Esri provides comprehensive GIS solutions spanning desktop, mobile, server, and cloud environments.

Through initiatives such as Oakland’s Calls for Service application, GIS technology continues to play a central role in advancing open data, operational efficiency, and community transparency.