TIMELINE Oakland has had 11 different police chiefs in 15 years

Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell's resignation adds to a troubling trend within the Oakland Police Department, which has seen 11 different chiefs in 15 years. LeRonne Armstrong, Mitchell's predecessor, was ousted in February 2023 after mishandling misconduct cases, despite being cleared of the allegations. In contrast, San Francisco and San Jose have maintained more stable leadership with three and six chiefs, respectively, during the same period. The department has endured multiple scandals, including a sex scandal that forced the resignation of Chief Sean Whent in 2016. Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, Oakland's first female chief, was also dismissed in 2020 for reporting alleged misconduct and later won a lawsuit against the city.

The frequent turnover of leadership raises questions about the department's operational efficacy and community trust. Oakland continues to grapple with a decade of turbulent leadership, impacting its overall policing strategy. As the search for a permanent chief begins, the city faces critical decisions on restoring stability and accountability within its police force.