Oakland mayor announces interim police chief

""Interim Chief Beere has served the Oakland Police Department for over two decades," Lee said at a press conference at City Hall on Friday. "He has the trust of the officers he'll lead, the respect of community partners he's worked alongside, and a demonstrated commitment to constitutional policing and the reforms that Oakland has fought for." Lee's announcement capped a fraught week for Oakland. On Wednesday, Skyline High School went on lockdown after a teenager was shot and wounded on campus. On Thursday, Laney College's athletic director and former football coach, John Beam, was fatally shot in the school's field house. National outlets have covered the shooting of Beam, whose work as a coach was featured in Netflix's documentary series " Last Chance U." OPD announced today that the department has arrested suspects in both shootings."

"As interim chief, Beere will be charged with overseeing Oakland's Ceasefire program, a collaboration among multiple departments to use both enforcement and incentives to address individuals who are at high-risk of gun violence, and which many city leaders credit with helping to reduce violent crime in 2024 and 2025. "I'm committed to make this transition as seamless as possible," said Beere, who added he will continue the city's emphasis on addressing violent crime and engaging in constitutional policing."

Mayor Barbara Lee announced that James Beere, the Oakland Police Department's second in command, will serve as interim police chief beginning after Dec. 5, following Mitchell's final day. Mitchell had been hired in March 2024 after a roughly year-long search to replace former chief LeRonne Armstrong. Beere has served OPD for over two decades and is described as having officers' trust, community partners' respect, and a commitment to constitutional policing and reforms. The change occurs after a violent week that included a shooting at Skyline High School and the fatal shooting of Laney College coach John Beam; suspects were arrested. As interim chief, Beere will oversee the Ceasefire program and continue emphasis on addressing violent crime while maintaining constitutional policing.

Read at The Oaklandside