Applications Due May 31, 2023
Oakland, CA –– Mayor Sheng Thao and the Selection Panel for the Police Commission today announced the opening of the application process to serve on the Oakland Police Commission.
“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 Mayor Sheng Thao. "This Administration intends to attract and retain a new police chief that will shepherd Oakland out of federal oversight as well as civilianize key internal investigation functions. We are seeking highly dedicated, organizational change leaders to join the commission and build the infrastructure for long term police accountability in our great 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. Selection Panel Chairperson Jim Chanin: “We are seeking dedicated community members that will hold the Oakland Police Department to the highest standards and speak up for the community at-large. If you can be fair to all parties, are passionate about police accountability issues and justice, we want to hear from you.”
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.
Applications are available at www.oaklandca.gov/policecommission and will be accepted until May 31, 2023, when the Selection Panel will begin to interview candidates. Appointments will be made no later than October 16, 2023. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
# # #