Mayor Lee Announces Interim Police Chief and New Constitutional Policing Administrator Position

Date: November 14, 2025

News from: Mayor's Office 

Press Release: 

Mayor Lee Announces Interim Police Chief and New Constitutional Policing Administrator Position

Mayor's Office Contact: 

Justin Phillips 

jbphillips@oaklandca.gov

OAKLAND, CA – Mayor Barbara Lee today announced the appointment of Assistant Chief James Beere as Interim Chief of Police, effective December 6, 2025, following Chief Floyd Mitchell's planned departure on December 5. The appointment was made in consultation with the Chair of the Police Commission, following the process outlined in Measure S1.

Mayor Lee also announced the creation of a new Interim Constitutional Policing Administrator position, appointing Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips to the role. Phillips will work directly with Interim Chief Beere to strengthen internal accountability structures, including oversight and support for Internal Affairs investigations, policy development, internal audits, and resource allocation. Phillips will continue reporting directly to the City Administrator while coordinating with Executive Command.

Interim Chief James Beere has served with the Oakland Police Department since 1997. A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, Beere has held leadership positions including Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief of Bureau of Field Operations, and Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. He has received numerous departmental honors including the Blue Star Medal, Medal of Merit, and the Chief's Excellence in Leadership Award. Beere graduated Magna Cum Laude from Golden Gate University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips will develop the Constitutional Policing Administrator position into a permanent leadership role focused on transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing practices. The position will provide guidance, advisement, and oversight of procedures and policies, working closely with the Chief of Police on areas within the Bureau of Risk Management, Internal Affairs Bureau, and Fiscal and Human Resources.

Permanent Chief Selection Process: Under Measure S1, the Police Commission will now lead a comprehensive search for Oakland's permanent police chief. The Commission, with assistance from the City Administrator, will prepare and distribute a job announcement and conduct a thorough recruitment process. Following candidate interviews, the Commission will provide Mayor Lee with a list of at least three finalists for consideration. Mayor Lee will then appoint one candidate from the list or reject the list in its entirety and request a new list from the Commission. The search will prioritize candidates with knowledge of Oakland's public safety requirements, culture, and history, and a commitment to reducing crime while ensuring accountability.

Mayor Lee FAQ: Interim Police Chief Appointment & Search Process

Q1: When did you learn about Chief Mitchell's decision to step down? 

A: Chief Mitchell informed me last month of his decision to step down December 5, which gave us time to conduct a thoughtful search for an interim leader and begin planning the permanent chief selection process. 

Q2: What are your reflections on Chief Mitchell's resignation and his tenure? 

A: Chief Mitchell served Oakland with dedication during a critical period for our city and department, crime decreased in major categories during his tenure and I'm grateful for his leadership in advancing our public safety priorities. 

Q3: Will the Interim Chief be eligible to apply for the permanent position? 

A: Yes, the Interim Chief may apply for the permanent position and will be considered alongside all other qualified candidates through the Police Commission's comprehensive search process. 

Q4: How long will the permanent Chief search process take? 

A: While we cannot speak to a specific timeline at this point, we are committed to conducting a thorough search while moving as efficiently as possible. The Interim Chief appointment shall not exceed six months in duration unless an extension is approved by a majority vote of the Police Commission. 

Q5: Will the Police Commission Chair and Alternate Commissioner whose reappointments were rejected by City Council still participate in the Chief selection process? 

A: Both commissioners have continued to serve in a holdover capacity with full authority to participate in all Commission functions, including the Chief selection process, until their successors are appointed. 

Q6: What criteria will you use to evaluate the candidates presented by the Police Commission? 

A: I will prioritize candidates with deep understanding of Oakland and its communities, who demonstrate commitment to constitutional policing, have proven leadership in reducing crime and building trust between law enforcement and communities, and align with Oakland's vision for equitable public safety. 

Q7: What is the new position of Constitutional Policing Administrator? What authority and assignment does this position have, where in the organizational chart does it sit, and how is it funded? 

A: The Constitutional Policing Administrator will work to ensure transparency and accountability through guidance, advisement, oversight, and evaluation of procedures, policies, practices and processes. This will be accomplished through the management of constitutional policing, community trust and equity related programs, systems, and projects. This position will work closely with the Chief of Police and Executive Command focusing on areas within the Bureau of Risk Management, Internal Affairs Bureau, Fiscal and Human Resources.  The incumbent will report directly to the City Administrator and advises the Mayor. 

Part of Interim Constitutional Policing Administrator Michelle Phillips’ work in the coming months will be to identify a sustainable funding model for supporting the position and any associated resources that are proposed. The primary focus of the interim appointment is to allow Phillips to build out the job duties of this role while assisting in stabilizing systems and resources for a sound internal police accountability structure. This would include additional oversight and support with Internal Audits, Policies, IAB investigations, and resource distribution in coordination with the Chief of Police. 

Q8: Has the Federal Monitor been advised of these appointments? 

A: Yes.