Oakland mayor announces interim police chief

Mayor Barbara Lee has appointed James Beere as interim police chief of Oakland, effective December 5, following the resignation of Floyd Mitchell. Beere brings over 20 years of experience with the Oakland Police Department and will oversee the Ceasefire program, designed to mitigate gun violence through both enforcement and community engagement. This transition occurs during a challenging time for Oakland, marked by recent shootings, including the fatal incident involving Laney College's athletic director. Lee praised Beere for his commitment to constitutional policing and the trust he has earned within the community. The city also announced the establishment of a new position, Constitutional Policing Administrator, to be filled by Michelle Phillips, focusing on oversight and reform tasks mandated by a federal settlement agreement.

This agreement requires OPD to complete 52 reform tasks stemming from a 2003 civil rights lawsuit. The Oakland Police Commission is tasked with finding a permanent chief following Mitchell's unexpected resignation. Speculation surrounds Mitchell's departure, with concerns about oversight and department challenges.