FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2024
Contact: Office of Mayor Sheng Thao: mayorspressoffice@oaklandca.gov
***PRESS RELEASE***
Mayor Sheng Thao Announces Floyd Mitchell as Oakland Police Chief
Chief Mitchell will serve as Oakland’s Police Chief
Oakland, CA - Mayor Sheng Thao announced the appointment of Floyd Mitchell as Oakland Police Chief. Mitchell has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and previously served as Chief of Police in Lubbock, Texas. Chief Mitchell’s start date is being finalized but is expected to begin leading the Oakland Police Department between late April and early May.
“Floyd Mitchell is a strong leader and smart crime fighter who delivers results. His commitment to proven crime reduction strategies including proactive policing and strong officer-community engagement vaulted him to the top of the list. As our city’s top police officer, Chief Mitchell will join the talented public safety leadership team we have assembled and lead the law enforcement elements of Oakland’s comprehensive public safety strategy,” said Mayor Sheng Thao.
“As servant leaders and guardians of our city, I and the members of the Oakland Police Department have a unique opportunity to create lasting relationships and make significant impacts in the communities we serve. Our duty is to promote safety, prevent crime, and pursue justice for all we serve by collaborating and communicating with our community,” said Incoming Chief Floyd Mitchell. “As Oakland’s police chief I look forward to working together with our residents, businesses owners, city leadership, and members of the police commission to build a stronger and safer Oakland. I am excited about the opportunity to meet the members of the police department, interact with all the people who call this beautiful city home, and become an integral part of this special place.”
Chief Mitchell began his career as a patrol officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. After 25 years of impeccable service with Kansas City accepted the police chief position for the City of Temple, Texas. In 2019, Mitchell was appointed as the 23rd police chief for the City of Lubbock, Texas, where he served until September of 2023. Chief Mitchell is a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Chief Mitchell has earned both his BSA and MBA degree in Business Administration from Baker University and is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Program, administered by Texas State University. He is a graduate of the 236th Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Academy, Quantico, Virginia, and the Police Executive Research Forum’s - Senior Management Institute for Policing, at Boston College.
Chief Floyd Mitchell moves to Oakland with his wife Rebecca and is the father of two adult sons, Ben and Ethan.
Link to Mayor Sheng Thao’s Announcement: https://youtu.be/IujglfIVr8w
Editor's Note: For planning purposes, an introductory press conference will be scheduled during the week of March 24. Press will be notified of the date, time, and location as details are finalized.
Chief Floyd Mitchell’s Headshot is attached for press.
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