Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell is packing it in, less than two years after he was appointed to the job. The city announced his resignation last Wednesday, effective December 5.
"It has been an honor to serve the Oakland community, and I am grateful for the support I've received from the residents," Mitchell said in a statement. "I'm incredibly proud of the men and women of this Department and the collaborative working relationships forged with the community and business owners to reduce crime. My commitment over the weeks ahead is to help ensure a smooth transition and continue to keep Oakland safe."
Former Mayor Sheng Thao hired Mitchell in 2024 after her controversial firing of LeRonne Armstrong. The process of replacing Armstrong was long and chaotic, marked by frequent clashes with the city’s Police Commission. Armstrong is currently suing the city for wrongful termination.
Mitchell did not provide a reason for his departure. At a meeting last Thursday night, some residents speculated that the Police Commission or local police reform activists were to blame. The commission pushed back against those claims, saying Mitchell had been working “in lockstep” with them.
Armstrong had previously expressed frustrations at OPD, particularly over low staffing levels and workloads. Mitchell had also complained that the disciplinary process was being ‘weaponized’ against officers.
As Oakland prepares for another vacancy at the top of OPD, some stakeholders are calling for Armstrong’s return. Among them is former District 6 councilmember and ex-mayoral candidate Loren Taylor.
“Now, with another resignation on our hands, we have the chance to correct the record and move forward with wisdom instead of incompetence and corruption,” Taylor wrote in a social media post.
The Black Action Alliance has also called for Armstrong’s reinstatement.
Read more at CBS News.