For Immediate Release December 8, 2023
Oakland Police Department Welcomes 22 New Officers
Today, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) proudly welcomed 22 new officers to the OPD family as members of the 192nd Basic Recruit Academy graduated at a ceremony held at the Scottish Rite Center. “Every contact you make, every encounter you have produces the opportunity to enhance relationships or erode confidence, so always endeavor to build trust.” Oakland Police Interim Chief Darren Allison said. "The Department has invested in you, so you can devote yourselves to the community and public safety.”
"I want to share my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the 192nd Basic Academy, who are marking a significant step in their commitment to safeguarding our community,” Mayor Sheng Thao said. “I want to emphasize the importance of holistic community safety. Our approach values well-trained community policing, fostering connections, and building trust. These graduates embody these principles, ready to contribute to a safer and stronger Oakland.”
"I am humbled and inspired every day by the commitment of the City of Oakland’s staff to serving our community, and today we welcome 22 new colleagues into their ranks,” City Administrator Jestin Johnson said. “To our newest officers in training, we are honored by your joining the team. Your commitment to service, safety, and integrity will serve you well, and please know we are here to support you all along the way.”
The 192nd Academy Class is a diverse group with members speaking multiple languages. The newly sworn Officers are Valedictorian Alex Ngo, Arnold Armstrong, Justin Bermudez, Rome Watson, Kevin Dieu, Bradley Potts, Michael Armstrong, Felix Duag, Joseph DeTorres, James Stewart II, Cristian Baltazar, Zachary Parra, Joshua San Diego, Brandon Larson, Pedro Valdovinos, Francisco Carriedo, David Armas, Sione Fili, Markendra Wilson, Gregory Williams, Juan Sanchez, and Roberto Arreola. One officer from the Fremont Police Department also graduated from OPD’s 192nd Academy.
The graduates are a welcomed addition to our Oakland family, bringing the department's total to 724 sworn officers.