OAKLAND, CA -- James P. Beere was sworn in today as the City of Oakland’s permanent Chief of Police, following Mayor Barbara Lee naming him as her choice for the job earlier this month.
"I am proud to appoint Chief James P. Beere to lead the Oakland Police Department. His appointment marks an important step as we continue building a safer Oakland where every resident feels secure and every neighborhood has the opportunity to thrive," remarked Mayor Barbara Lee. "I look forward to working with Chief Beere to strengthen accountability, build trust with the community, and advance a public safety strategy that reflects Oakland's values."
Chief James Beere has served with the Oakland Police Department (OPD) since 1997. A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, his extensive leadership with OPD incudes serving as Interim Police Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief of Bureau of Field Operations, and Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.
“I want to thank Mayor Lee for her leadership in bringing departments together to better serve the community and implement a collaborative approach for a unified response to help drive down crime,” said Chief James Beere. “By prioritizing successful initiatives like Ceasefire, building up the Police Department staffing, and reviving the Cadet Program, the Mayor has both enhanced public safety and strengthened community trust. As your Chief of Police, I look forward to serving Oakland’s residents and businesses. Together, we will continue to implement 21st-century policing strategies, leverage modern technology, and bring long-term stability and safety to our city.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Beere has received numerous departmental honors including the Blue Star Medal, Medal of Merit, and the Chief's Excellence in Leadership Award. He graduated magna cum laude from Golden Gate University with a bachelor's degree in business management and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
The Police Commission’s extensive search process integrated robust engagement to ensure the community’s priorities were lifted up, including strengthening constitutional policing and civilian oversight, recruiting and retaining outstanding qualified, dedicated, and responsible officers, enhancing community engagement, and reducing violent crime and improving response times.
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