James Beere will shed his interim tag and serve as Oakland’s permanent chief of police, Mayor Barbara Lee announced Thursday. “Public safety and justice are strongest when they advance together, and today’s appointment is about more than selecting a Police Chief — it is about renewing our commitment to the people of Oakland,” Lee said in a statement. “Our City has experienced too much turnover in police leadership over the years, and Oakland deserves stability. James Beere embraces meaningful civilian oversight and constitutional policing, values collaboration with our neighborhoods, businesses, and faith leaders, and is fully prepared to lead on day one.” Beere, a member of the Oakland Police Department since 1997, has been serving as the department’s interim chief since Floyd Mitchell stepped down from the top cop post in December. Beere has also spent time as Oakland’s assistant chief, deputy chief of the field operations bureau and commander of the criminal investigations division. “I want to thank Mayor Lee for her leadership in bringing departments together to better serve the community and implement a collaborative approach for a unified response to help drive down crime,” Beere said in a statement. “By prioritizing successful initiatives like Ceasefire, building up the Police Department staffing, and reviving the Cadet Program, the Mayor has both enhanced public safety and strengthened community trust. As your Chief of Police, I look forward to serving Oakland’s residents and businesses. Together, we will continue to implement 21st-century policing strategies, leverage modern technology, and bring long-term stability and safety to our city.” Beere’s appointment will be formally introduced to the Oakland City Council on July 17. A swearing-in ceremony will follow. Oakland Police Officers Association President Huy Nguyen said Beere is an “excellent choice.” “Chief Beere is a proven leader who knows this department, understands this city, and has earned the respect of the rank and file men and women who serve Oakland every day,” Nguyen said in a statement. Oakland Jul 7 City worker shot to death near Old Quarry Loop in Oakland ID'd Oakland Jul 8 Woman allegedly kidnapped in Oakland found unharmed Oakland Jul 7 Oakland considers side street closures to disrupt sex trafficking ...read more read less