The search for Oakland's new top cop hangs in limbo as Mayor Sheng Thao rebuffed the candidates vying for the police chief position. After this unexpected curveball, the city's Police Commission has been forced back to square one. According to NBC Bay Area, Thao's office said on Wednesday that a fresh list of candidates is to be compiled by the Police Commission, a body tasked with presenting at least three qualified individuals for the mayoral seal of approval.
The Mayor's office displayed gratitude toward the Commission for their dedication and expressed an eagerness to "select the best possible candidate for Oakland," a sentiment echoed in a statement from Thao's office. The Mayor's bold step comes on the heels of the firing of former chief LeRonne Armstrong earlier in the year, a move precipitated by a scandal involving alleged police misconduct and statements by Armstrong that were alleged to downplay the gravity of the situation.
Revealing insider tidbits, Oakland city councilmember Noel Gallo told NBC Bay Area that the tossed-out finalist shortlist included Armstrong, Tucson assistant chief Kevin Hall, and San Leandro police chief Abdul Pridgen, the latter currently under investigation himself for alleged policy violations. Despite the turmoil, Armstrong, a son of Oakland, lamented Wednesday on his doomed candidacy, "It is unfair that I am unable to continue to serve and protect the people of Oakland," as per statements obtained by NBC Bay Area.
Amidst this backdrop of contention and strife, the Police Commission remains steadfast. Its President, Marsha Peterson, affirmed their commitment to their duties, stating, "The Oakland Police Commission will continue to perform our duty under the City Charter to review candidates and provide recommendations to the Mayor." The Commission has resolved to decidedly follow a structured timeline, with recruitment and evaluation phases stretching into early 2024, according to a statement on their official X post.
— Oakland Police Commission (@OakPoliceComm) December 29, 2023
While the Commission has decided to uphold a media blackout to protect the applicants', oftentimes delicate, employment statuses, they assured the public their quest for an exemplary leader remains undeterred. Peterson added a layer of transparency by assuring to keep the public in the loop on major developments. With a new list expected to land on Mayor Thao's desk by March 1, Oakland awaits to see who will next helm its troubled police force.
