James Beere

Assistant Chief James Beere has been a dedicated member of the Oakland Police Department (OPD) since 1997, serving the Oakland community for more than 27 years. Originally from San Francisco, he has proudly called Oakland home for nearly three decades. Prior to joining OPD Assistant Chief Beere attended Holy Name Elementary and Sacred Heart Cathedral High School before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served with distinction as a Command Sergeant Major and is a decorated combat veteran.

Throughout the Assistant Chief’s career with OPD he’s held critical roles including:

· Assistant Chief of Police

· Deputy Chief of Bureau of Field Operations 1

· Bureau of Field Operations Commander

· Criminal Investigations Division Commander (Homicide, Felony Assault, Special Victims Section)

· Sergeant of the Intelligence Unit in the Office of the Chief

· Sergeant, Special Resource Section, Crime Reduction Team 5

· Key roles in the Vice, Human Trafficking, Narcotics, and Patrol divisions

Assistant Chief Beere’s exemplary service has earned him some of the department’s highest honors, including the Blue Star Medal for outstanding command and control during a mass casualty incident and the Medal of Merit for superior tactics and de-escalation in a life-threatening situation. He has also been awarded the Chief’s Excellence in Leadership Award, Chief’s Commendation, and multiple Captain’s Commendations, Unit Citations, and Letters of Appreciation. His dedication was further recognized with the Officer of the Year Award from the San Francisco Bay Area Emerald Society.

Academically, Assistant Chief Beere graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Golden Gate University and also holds an Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from the College of San Mateo. His professional training includes the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the FBI LEEDA Command and Executive Leadership Institutes.

Assistant Chief Beere’s commitment to OPD and to Oakland’s safety has been the foundation of his distinguished career, marked by leadership, integrity, and service to the community.