City of Oakland Encourages Oakland Residents to Apply for the Police Commission
Oakland, CA – Mayor Kevin Jenkins and the Police Commission Selection Panel announce the opening of the application process to serve on the Oakland Police Commission. Applications are available at https://www.oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/police-commission and will be accepted until April 25, 2025.
“My Administration is committed to improving community safety, and a high functioning, engaged and active volunteer Police Commission is essential to accomplish this objective,” said Oakland Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “My office encourages Oakland residents to consider serving on the Commission to impact long term police accountability in our city.”
Establishing and maintaining public trust and confidence in the Oakland Police Department (OPD) is essential for the department to provide the highest level of service to the community.
“The Police Commission Selection Panel is currently seeking community members with interest in becoming an Oakland Police Commissioner. Candidates should be ready to assist with policy reform on a wide range of issues facing the Oakland Police Department (OPD) and the community they serve. If you can be fair, impartial and want to uphold justice for the citizens of Oakland, apply to be an Oakland Police Commissioner today,” said Police Commission Selection Chairperson Rickisha Herron.
The Selection Panel will seek to make appointments that reflect Oaklanders’ diversity of experiences, especially individuals from communities experiencing the most frequent contact with the police. Strong commitment to police accountability and public service will be prioritized. Duties include overseeing the Community Police Review Agency, which conducts investigations into allegations of officer misconduct; overseeing the Office of the Inspector General, which will conduct independent audits of OPD; proposing changes to, approving, or rejecting current or proposed OPD policies; and removing the Chief of Police for cause, as well as other duties.
Commissioners must meet two criteria:
a. be a resident of the City of Oakland; and
b. be over 18 years of age by the date of the first Commission meeting.
The Selection Panel strongly encourages formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.
Individuals meeting the following criteria are not eligible to serve on the Police Commission: current sworn police officers; current city employees; former OPD sworn employees; current or former employees, officials, or representatives of an employee association representing sworn police officers; attorneys with pending claim or lawsuit against OPD; and attorneys who have filed a claim or lawsuit against OPD that was resolved during the past year.
The Selection Panel will review applications, decide which applicants to interview and make final recommendations to City Council. Appointments will be made no later than October 16, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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