After more than a yearlong vacancy, the City of Oakland finally has a permanent police chief. Mayor Shang Thao announced the appointment of former Lubbock, Texas Chief Floyd Mitchell last week.
Mitchell is an experienced lawman whose career spans over 30 years. He also has a track record of crime reduction — a major asset in Oakland, as residents complain that crime has spiraled out of control. Between Mitchell’s hiring in 2019 and 2021, incidents in Lubbock dropped from 20,150 to just over 18,000. When he led the Temple Police Department in Texas, crime dropped 12%.
But the new chief’s resume is not unblemished. Lubbock PD was faulted for leaving many 911 calls unanswered under his watch. He left amid the scandal.
Mayor Thao explained that Mitchell “didn't make any excuses” about the 911 call failures. “But instead, he talked about what he learned from that experience.”
Most of the reactions to Mitchell’s hiring have been positive. He also received well wishes from former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who has alleged wrongful termination and has been fighting to get his job back.
"Public safety is the most important issue in Oakland,” said Armstrong. “We have a dedicated police force that now has a new leader. I send my best wishes to Floyd Mitchell and offer any assistance he may desire. This is my hometown. I want everyone to be safe and will do everything in my power, now as a private citizen, to assist in that goal."
What happens next will be critical for Mayor Thao. She is facing a recall attempt, and her handling of public safety and police department leadership is at the center of that effort.