Succession planning is vital for any organization, but in law…
Cracks in the Foundation: An In-Depth Look at Oakland’s Failed Police Chief Recruitment
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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 findings of the hearing officer and demanded Mayor Thao reinstate Chief Armstrong.
A Problematic History
Controversial police chief searches, hiring problems, and turnover are nothing new for the City of Oakland as it relates to police chiefs.
The Oakland Police Department has had 12 police chiefs since 2009. That statement is not a typo. Basically, in 14 years, there have been 12 police chiefs. [iv] The challenges go back even further. Listed below is a short synopsis of the tenure of Oakland Police Chiefs since 1992, when Chief George Hart retired after serving for 20 years.
- Joseph Samuels August 9, 1993 – 1999
- Richard Word July 2, 1999 – October 2004
- Wayne Tucker February 1, 2005 – February 28, 2009
- Anthony Batts October 20, 2009 – October 13, 2011
- Howard Jordan October 13, 2011 – May 8, 2013
- Anthony Toribio May 8, 2013 -May 10, 2013
- Sean Whent May 10, 2013 – June 8, 2016
- Ben Fairow June 9, 2016 – June 15, 2016
- Paul Figueroa June 15, 2016 – June 17, 2016
- Sabrina Landreth June 17, 2016 – January 5, 2017
- Anne Kirkpatrick January 4, 2017 – February 20, 2020
- Darren Allison February 2020 – April 2020
- Susan Manheimer April 2020 – February 2021
- LeRonne Armstrong February 8, 2021 – February 15, 2023
- Darren Allison January 19, 2023 – Still Serving
An extensive article details some of the reasons for the selection and departure of each of the police chiefs listed. [v]
Unfortunately, the revolving door of police chief turnover casts a shadow over the community, leaving behind a trail of consequences that extend far beyond the precinct walls. The impact of frequent changes in the highest echelons of law enforcement is troubling, affecting the delicate balance between those sworn to protect and serve and the communities they serve.
Picture a community where trust is a fragile commodity, easily shattered, and slow to rebuild. This is the reality when police chiefs come and go with alarming frequency. Each new face in the position brings with it a fresh set of promises, priorities, and perspectives. For residents, it becomes challenging to believe in the constancy of protection when the leader at the helm changes as frequently as the seasons.
The frequent turnover of police chiefs is especially troubling in a department like the Oakland Police Department, where they have experienced multiple failures over the years that undermine community support.
This article will not try to tackle those issues.
When Turnover is the Norm
What happens internally to members of a police department when the police chief changes as frequently as the wind?
Strategic planning, the backbone of any effective law enforcement agency, becomes a delicate dance of uncertainty. Long-term goals and community-focused initiatives are set adrift in a sea of transitions. A new police chief brings a different vision, leaving officers on the ground grappling with the ever-shifting sands of priorities. What was once a strategic plan with a clear path forward becomes a roadmap continually redrawn, leaving officers and the community guessing about the future direction of law enforcement efforts.
Amidst this constant state of flux, officer morale takes a hit. In the precincts, where camaraderie and a sense of purpose are vital, the revolving door of leadership becomes a silent but potent morale crusher. Officers, unsure of the stability of their leadership, find it challenging to stay motivated and dedicated to their duty. The sense of purpose that once fueled their commitment wanes as each new police chief brings uncertainty about the department’s future.
Transparency and accountability, pillars of an effective and trustworthy police force, suffer under the weight of constant change. Ongoing investigations, internal reviews, and accountability measures are disrupted with each new leader’s arrival. The community is left in the dark, and trust in the system erodes as the cycle of upheaval continues.
Recruitment and retention, essential components of building a strong police force, become increasingly difficult. Talented individuals are hesitant to step into a leadership role with a history of instability, and officers on the force grow wary of pursuing advancement in an environment where leadership positions seem short-lived.
Community Engagement
Let’s take a step back to the current recruitment process in Oakland.
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked is the role of community engagement. The Oakland Police Commission held several community in-person and virtual meetings to receive feedback on the type of police chief the commission should recommend. [vi]
In a city known for its active and vocal community, there has been some criticism that the search process was not as transparent as it should have been.
Political Interference, External Pressures, and Missteps
As the recruitment process unfolded, it became apparent that missteps eroded any optimism of having a smooth, quick, and successful process.
Examining the political landscape during the police chief search is essential, especially in large cities. Were external pressures and political interference significant contributors to the breakdown? Yes. Political agendas may have influenced decision-making, undermining the integrity of the search process.
For example, as the Oakland Police Commission considered hiring a recruiting firm, Mayor Thao expressed her frustration that the commission had not selected a recruiting firm yet. In addition, several community and Oakland City Council members called on two Oakland Police Commissioners to resign.[vii] There has been infighting amongst the commission members as well as the City Council during the entire period of the search.
Mayor Thao also threatened to declare a “state of emergency” if a police chief wasn’t selected by the end of 2023. [viii]
On December 19, 2023, the Oakland Police Commission provided Mayor Thao with the names of three police chief candidates as finalists. Both the Mayor and the Commission refused to identify the candidates. [ix] However, the names were eventually leaked.
One of the candidates on the list was former Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who was previously fired by Mayor Thao.
In short order, Mayor Thao rejected all three candidates. She asked for a new list of candidates from the Oakland Police Commission. Both the Mayor and the Commission took a more cooperative tone to their comments after the rejection. [x]
The Oakland Police Commission has stated they will open the police search process again and began taking applications on January 1st. The Commission hopes to have a new list of candidates for Mayor Thao by March 1st. [xi]
Lessons Learned and Recommendations Moving Forward
As we reflect on the failed police chief recruitment in Oakland, it is crucial to extract valuable lessons for the future.
In the wake of the recent setbacks in the quest for a new police chief in Oakland, let them seize this moment not as a stumbling block but as a stepping stone towards a brighter future. The lessons drawn from this experience are not merely reflections on failure but beacons guiding them toward success.
In unity lies their strength, and it is imperative for Mayor Thao and the Oakland Police Commission to forge a cooperative alliance in the pursuit of the ideal police chief. Let differences dissolve in the shared commitment to the well-being of their community and the prosperity of their police department. The path forward should illuminated by openness and transparency – the more they embrace these virtues in the selection process, the closer they will come to finding a leader who truly serves the interests of all.
This is not just about finding any candidate; it’s about discovering the best, the one who will shape the destiny of the Oakland Police Department for the better. A five-year contract for the new police chief should not only symbolize commitment but embody a pact of trust between the chief and the community. Rigorous penalties for dismissal of the chief without just cause will ensure that the chief stands resilient and unwavering in the face of challenges.
Empowerment is the key – the new police chief must not only be granted authority but also the latitude to institute the transformative changes the department so desperately craves. This is not a mere job; it’s a mission, and the chief should be armed with the tools and freedom to execute it effectively.
The more Mayor Thao and the Oakland Police Commission involve the community, the more resonant the chords of justice become. The next police chief should be a beacon of stability, a figure the community can rally behind with confidence, knowing that this leader is here to stay.
The men and women of the Oakland Police Department deserve more than just a leader; they deserve a source of unwavering support, a constant guiding force, and a leader willing to propel the department forward. Let the mission, goals, and expectations be a consistent thread weaving through the fabric of their professional lives, providing them with the stability and comfort they deserve. Together, it is easy to envision a future where the police department thrives under the leadership of a chief who inspires and unites the community, Mayor Thao, the Oakland Police Commission, and the men and women serving the Oakland Police Department.
If changes are not made soon, there will be no quality candidates left who are interested in serving as the police chief in Oakland.
[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-15/oakland-police-chief-leronne-armstrong-fired-following-investigation
[ii] https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/former-oakland-police-chief-armstrong-claims-vindication-after-judges-report-on-his-termination/
[iii] ibid
[iv] https://www.ktvu.com/news/revolving-door-of-oakland-top-cops-showcases-departments-instability
[v] https://oaklandside.org/2024/01/08/hiring-oakland-police-chief-has-always-been-messy/
[vi] https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/oakland-residents-provide-feedback-on-who-next-police-chief-should-be/
[vii] https://www.ktvu.com/news/commission-inches-closer-to-finding-oakland-police-chief-amid-calls-for-2-commissioners-to-resign
[viii] https://www.ktvu.com/news/oakland-mayor-ready-to-declare-state-of-emergency-if-police-chief-isnt-selected-by-years-end
[ix] https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/oakland-police-chief-candidates-commission-mayor-sheng-thao/
[x] https://www.ktvu.com/news/oakland-police-chief-finalists-revealed-mayor-sheng-thao-rejects-all-3
[xi] https://www.ktvu.com/news/oakland-police-commission-to-meet-over-more-chief-candidates-after-mayors-rejection
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This article is a decent recap of the troubles that have plagued the Oakland Police Department. But as a 30 year cop and someone who worked closely with OPD, my opinion is that the issues they are facing are much bigger than expressed in this article.
It comes down to this: the police commission and the police department don’t just have competing priorities, they have priorities that are diametrically opposed. The police commission wants a department that can control crime without proactively preventing it, that will stop riots and mob violence without hurting or offending anyone, that will restore order without the tools or equipment that almost all other police agencies use, that will expect officers to make critical, split-second decisions but not give them the benefit of the doubt if they make a mistake, and that will mark an officer as “racist” if their arrest or traffic stop stats don’t reflect the racial make-up of the community – even if they *do* reflect the racial make-up of the local criminal community.
In short, any new Oakland Police Chief must kowtow to the ridiculous and unrealistic political expectations of the police commission, or show loyalty and leadership to the officers who make up the department. The Chief can only do one of those things, but not both – and failing to do one of those things is a death knell for his or her career.
I hate to say it, but Oakland has been making it’s bed this way for years and years. And now it has to lie in it. My prayers go out to the officers and the people of Oakland who did not create this problem, but nothing changes until the politics of the city change…and sadly, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
Thanks. I don’t disagree with your assessment. The operational and political challenges there are huge for sure.