Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell has announced his resignation, effective December 5, 2024, after serving in the role for less than two years. His departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Oakland Police Department (OPD) and a backdrop of reform efforts that have characterized his tenure.
According to a press statement from the City of Oakland, Mitchell submitted a letter of intent to resign, pledging to work closely with Mayor Barbara Lee and City Administrator Jestin Johnson to facilitate a smooth transition. In his statement, Mitchell expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community, stating, “It has been an honor to serve the Oakland community… My commitment over the weeks ahead is to help ensure a smooth transition and continue to keep Oakland safe.”
The statement did not specify the reasons for his resignation, which comes just 17 months after he was appointed by former Mayor Sheng Thao. Thao herself was recalled by voters in November 2024. Mitchell took over the department following the dismissal of LeRonne Armstrong, making him the sixth police chief in five years.
Mitchell’s resignation follows Mayor Lee’s first State of the City Address, in which she highlighted progress in crime reduction and stated that the city “is on the move.” Lee acknowledged Mitchell’s service, saying, “Under his tenure, we have seen significant reductions in crime—a testament to his commitment to public safety and the hard work of our police officers.”
In response to Mitchell’s resignation, the Oakland Police Officers Association expressed deep concern, questioning whether certain factions within the community were receptive to his leadership style. The association urged the Mayor and City Council to address the dysfunction that has plagued the OPD, emphasizing the need for stability and trust within the department.
Since 2003, the OPD has been under federal oversight due to the infamous “Riders” police misconduct case, making it the most monitored police department in the United States. A federal judge extended this oversight in September 2024, citing incomplete reforms related to use-of-force policies, internal investigations, and community relations. Critics, including civil rights attorney John Burris and the Police Executive Research Forum, argue that the frequent changes in leadership have hindered progress toward compliance and stability.
Compounding these issues, the OPD has faced staffing shortages, which recently necessitated the reassignment of six motorcycle traffic officers to patrol duties. A report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute linked Oakland’s public safety challenges directly to the city’s ongoing budget crisis, highlighting the complex factors influencing the effectiveness of the police force.
As Oakland prepares for a transition in leadership, the community remains watchful for how these changes will affect public safety and policing in the city.
