Oakland’s interim police chief, James Beere, is being promoted to the permanent post, seven months after he was hired to lead the department on a temporary basis. Beere was chosen after an extensive search process led by the city’s Police Commission and retired Police Chief Daniel Hahn.
The recruitment process began after former Mayor Sheng Thao fired Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong in 2023. Armstrong was ultimately replaced by Floyd Mitchell, who resigned after about 18 months on the job, and Thao was later recalled by voters.
Mayor Barbara Lee inherited the search for the city’s next permanent police chief following her victory in the April 2025 special election to replace Thao. Lee appointed Beere to the interim post in November 2025. Under his leadership, Oakland experienced continued decline in crime, while the Police Department achieved full compliance with court-ordered reforms, bringing it closer to ending more than two decades of federal oversight.
Lee announced Beere’s promotion on July 9.
“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,” Lee said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” Beere said. “By prioritizing successful initiatives like Ceasefire, building up 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.”
Beere has been with the Oakland Police Department since 1997, having served as assistant chief, deputy chief of the Bureau of Field Operations, and commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. He is also a Marine Corps combat veteran.
Beere’s appointment will be formally introduced to the City Council on July 21.