Oakland, CA – Mayor Libby Schaaf and the Selection Panel for the Police Commission today announced the opening of the application process to serve on the Oakland Police Commission. The Police Commission was established in October 2017 after voters approved Measure LL with over 83% support on the November 8, 2016 ballot.
“When the actions of a member of the Oakland Police Department are called into question, the public must have total confidence that allegations of misconduct are taken seriously, investigations are thorough, transparent, and fair, and offenders are held accountable when appropriate," said Mayor Schaaf. "The City remains committed to its continued dedication to the ongoing and nationally recognized strides the Oakland Police Department has been making.”
Establishing and maintaining public trust and confidence in the Police Department is essential for the Department to be able to provide the highest level of service to the community.
Community leader and Selection Panel member John Jones, III: “Oakland’s Police Commission has broad authority to hold police officers accountable by reviewing and changing OPD policies. We are seeking individuals with the dedication and focus necessary to carry out this important work and to work for the people.”
The Selection Panel will seek to make appointments that reflect Oaklanders’ diversity of experiences, especially individuals from communities experiencing the most frequent contact with the Department. Strong commitment to police accountability and public service will be prioritized. Duties include overseeing the Community Police Review Agency, which conducts investigations into allegations of officer misconduct; proposes changes to, approves, or rejects current or proposed Department policies; and removes the Chief of Police for cause, as well as other duties.
Commissioners must meet two criteria:
a. Be a resident of the City of Oakland
b. Be over the age of 18
The Selection Panel strongly encourages formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.
Measure LL prohibits these categories of people from serving: current sworn police officers; current city employees; former Department sworn employees; current or former employees, officials, or representatives of an employee association representing sworn police officers; attorneys with a pending claim or lawsuit against the Department; and attorneys who have filed a claim or lawsuit against the Department that was resolved during the past year.
Applications are available at https://www.oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/police-commission. Paper applications are available at local libraries, recreation centers, and City Hall.
Applications will be accepted until March 30, 2019, when the Selection Panel will begin to interview candidates. Appointments will be made no later than October 16. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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