Federal oversight drags on as Oakland police struggle with internal investigations

U. S. District Judge William Orrick announced that the Oakland Police Department (OPD) has made strides but has not reached full compliance with its federal oversight program after 22 years. Improvements include reduced racial profiling in traffic stops and the use of technology to combat crime. However, OPD has yet to meet three critical reforms regarding the timeliness and quality of internal investigations.

Orrick stressed that the department must enhance its ability to investigate officer misconduct to demonstrate it can operate independently. The oversight program originated from a 2003 civil rights lawsuit linked to the Riders scandal, where officers were accused of misconduct. OPD had been on track to exit the oversight but faced setbacks in 2023 due to internal investigation issues involving officers. The judge has mandated reforms to ensure the Internal Affairs Division reports directly to the police chief. He urged the department to complete its compliance swiftly to end the federal oversight.