Mayor Announces Appointment of Chief of Police
Published on July 09, 2026
OAKLAND, CA -- Following a comprehensive recruitment process led by the Police Commission and retired Chief Daniel Hahn, Mayor Barbara Lee announced today the selection of Interim Chief James Beere as the City of Oakland’s permanent Chief of Police.
“Public safety and justice are strongest when they advance together, and today’s appointment is about more than selecting a Police Chief -- it is about renewing our commitment to the people of Oakland,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “Our City has experienced too much turnover in police leadership over the years, and Oakland deserves stability. James Beere embraces meaningful civilian oversight and constitutional policing, values collaboration with our neighborhoods, businesses, and faith leaders, and is fully prepared to lead on day one.”
Mayor Lee added, "I want to thank the Police Commission, City staff, my advisory group, and the many Oakland stakeholders and residents whose voices guided this robust process. I also want to extend my gratitude to the highly qualified candidates who stepped forward to serve Oakland and embraced the values of our community."
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.
Chief Beere’s appointment will be formally introduced to the City Council on July 21, with a swearing-in ceremony to follow.
Media Contact: Sarah Henry, Director of Communications: SHenry@oaklandca.gov
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