City of Oakland Police Commissioner

***Continuous Recruitment***
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately

Applications will be reviewed as vacancies arise

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity inclusion and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the citys historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture community and individualism of employees.

The City of Oakland is now accepting applications for appointments to the Police Commission.

The City of Oakland Police Commission oversees the Oakland Police Departments policies practices and customs to meet national standards of constitutional policing and oversees the Community Police Review Agency that investigates police misconduct and recommends discipline.

The Citys Police Commission is always seeking applications to ensure we have a diverse pool of candidates prepared to step into the role when vacancies arise.

There is significant time commitment anticipated for both meeting preparation and attendance.Regular meetings are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m.Additional meetings for members serving on Ad Hoc or Standing Committees. Police commissioners should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on commission business. This is a volunteer position and does not receive any compensation.

The Commission is responsible for:

Overseeing the Oakland Police Department:
Conducting annual public hearings at minimum
Issuing subpoenas and taking testimony on matters before it
Proposing changes to policies and procedures
Approving changes to policies proposed by OPD
Reviewing OPD proposed budget and making recommendations
Authority to fire the Chief of Police
Recommending a list of at least 3 candidates for Chief of Police to the Mayor to consider
Complete annual performance evaluation of Chief of Police
Participate in ad hoc committees that may include discipline hearings for allegations of police misconduct.

Overseeing the Community Police Review Agency and Office of the Inspector General:
Conducting performance reviews of Executive Director of CPRA and the Inspector General
Hold the Executive Director of CPRA and the Inspector General accountability to their responsibilities as outlined in legislation and City policy
Authority to hire discipline and release the Director of CPRA and Inspector in accordance with the City Charter

Through these responsibilities the Police Commission oversees the Oakland Police Department in order to make sure that its policies practices and customs meet national standards of constitutional policing.

Oakland resident
At least 18 years old

Note: Commissioners cannot be any of the following:
current police officer or former Oakland police officer
current City of Oakland employee
current or former representative of a police officer labor union
an attorney who has a pending claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department
an attorney who has filed a claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department that was resolved during the past yea

Members must take the Oath of Office and submit Conflict of Interest Filings (Form 700) at the time of assuming office annually by April 1 and within 30 days of separation from this body.
Only the most qualified applicants will be considered.

The Police Commission is comprised of seven regular and two alternate members enabled by Oakland City Code section 604 of the Charter and who shall serve without compensation. Alternate Commissioners shall be eligible to serve on any Commission standing or ad hoc committee including any Discipline Committee. To the extent practicable appointments shall be broadly representative of Oaklands diversity and shall include members with knowledge and/or experience in the fields of human resources practices management policy development auditing law investigations law enforcement youth representation civil rights and civil liberties as well as representation from communities experiencing the most frequent contact with the Department. The City Council may require by ordinance that some or all of the Commissioners have expertise in a specified subject matter. Background checks shall be required for all Commissioners. Such background checks shall not be performed by the Department. Commissioners shall be issued identification cards but shall not be issued and shall not display wear or carry badges that so resemble a peace officers badge that an ordinary reasonable person would believe that Commissioners have the authority of a peace officer.
Section 604 of the Charter of the City of Oakland establishes the Police Commission as the body responsible for overseeing the Oakland Police Department (hereinafter Department) in order to ensure that its policies practices and customs conform to national standards of constitutional policing. The Commission shall have the functions and duties enumerated in this Charter Section 604 as well as those assigned to the Commission by Ordinance.
In order to be considered as a Police commissioner please submit your resume completed application and supplemental questionnaire.


For more information about the Oakland Police Commission please visit: Police Commission City of Oakland CA
Should you have an questions or need assistance with the application process please email: or Call the City Administrators Office at . Walk-ins are also welcome