Cracks in the Foundation: An In-Depth Look at Oakland's Failed Police Chief Recruitment

Hello Reader,

In the heart of California, the city of Oakland faced a critical juncture in its history as it embarked on yet another quest to find a new police chief. Because of past searches, a lot of skepticism existed in the community. However, some individuals hoped to usher in a new era of effective law enforcement leadership. However, what unfolded has been far from the envisioned transformation.

Almost a year later, no end is in sight in the search for the next Oakland police chief.

Mayor Thao fired Chief LeRonne Armstrong in February 2023 after an investigation revealed some alleged misconduct. Chief Armstrong disputes these findings. [1] Mayor Thao also didn’t like Chief Armstrong’s comments after he was placed on administrative leave.

​

​

In fact, Chief Armstrong went as far as describing his firing as a “wrongful and retaliatory” termination. [ii] In September 2023, after an investigation into Armstrong’s termination, the hearing officer for Armstrong’s appeal found that most of the allegations against him lacked any evidence or basis in fact. Additionally, the hearing officer determined that Chief Armstrong may have a legal action based on the termination violating his First Amendment rights. [iii] The Oakland Police Commission issued a statement where they agreed with the hearing officer's findings and demanded Mayor Thao reinstate Chief Armstrong.

​
​Read more.​

Billy

​
​