Casey Johnson

Interim Deputy Chief Casey Johnson was appointed to his new role in May 2024. Deputy Chief Johnson has served the people of Oakland for more than two decades. In his current role, Deputy Chief Johnson oversees the Bureau of Field Operations 2 and OPD’s Special Operations Division.

Deputy Chief Johnson is a graduate of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). He has had a diverse and extensive career at OPD, serving in various roles, including field training officer, Special Operations Tactical Team (SWAT) tactical team commander, undercover officer and instructor, driving instructor, dual-purpose motorcycle rider and instructor, sworn narcotics court expert within the Alameda County Superior Court system, patrol sergeant, Sergeant and Lieutenant of the Crime Reduction Team, training division commander, and internal affairs commander.

As Deputy Chief, he is entrusted with significant responsibilities. Under administrative direction, Deputy Chief Johnson says, “I strategically plan, organize, and direct operations through captains, lieutenants, supervisors, and civilians in three of our six major geographical areas. I am responsible for formulating and interpreting policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to laws and policies, developing goals and objectives, managing risk, supervising and training staff, creating and administering a bureau budget, representing the department in public forums, and directing the day-to-day activities of assigned staff.

Under the Special Operations Division, I plan, organize, oversee, and direct our special operations captains and lieutenants to use our tactical operations teams as a resource for handling appropriate critical incidents. While managing this division, I must recognize, plan, and understand that the use of specially trained and equipped police tactical operations teams during critical incidents has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to residents, law enforcement personnel, and suspects. I recognize that a well-managed division response usually results in the successful resolution of such incidents.”

In addition to his extensive professional experience, he has dedicated himself to academic pursuits. Deputy Chief Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Sonoma State University. He furthered his education at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Session 287, completing five graduate courses to fulfill his elective requirements. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing a Master’s Degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia, a testament to his ongoing commitment to professional development.

A little something about Chief Johnson: He is the youngest of four siblings, all sisters, one of whom is his twin. He was on an ABC reality TV show where he and a co-worker won a prize. He was on the Jenny Jones talk show twice after graduating high school and entering his first year of college. He loves watching and playing sports. He played football and baseball growing up, and he was awarded a scholarship to play college football.