By Jakob Rodgers
Source Bay Area News Group
OAKLAND, CA — Mayor Sheng Thao named a northwest Texas police chief as the new head of the Oakland Police Department on Friday, ending a yearlong search to fill one of the city’s most high-profile vacancies.
The mayor named Floyd Mitchell — a lawman of more than 30 years who recently served as a police chief in Lubbock, Texas — as Oakland’s top cop, according to a press release Friday morning.
The city did not announce a specific start date for Mitchell, saying only that he’d begin leading the department sometime between late April and early May. A news conference will be held next week to introduce Mitchell to the public, officials said.
“Floyd Mitchell is a strong leader and smart crime fighter who delivers results,” Thao said in a statement accompanying her press release. “His commitment to proven crime reduction strategies including proactive policing and strong officer-community engagement vaulted him to the top of the list. As our city’s top police officer, Chief Mitchell will join the talented public safety leadership team we have assembled and lead the law enforcement elements of Oakland’s comprehensive public safety strategy.”
Michell won out over three other candidates who were announced in late February, including two from elsewhere in the country and another from just down the Nimitz Freeway in San Leandro.
In a statement accompanying Thao’s announcement, Mitchell expressed excitement at the “unique opportunity” awaiting him in Oakland.
“Our duty is to promote safety, prevent crime, and pursue justice for all we serve by collaborating and communicating with our community,” Mitchell’s statement said. “As Oakland’s police chief I look forward to working together with our residents, businesses owners, city leadership, and members of the police commission to build a stronger and safer Oakland.”
The Oakland Police Officers’ Association welcomed Mitchell in a statement that expressed optimism in “a promising future.” In doing so, the police union lauded interim Chief Darren Allison, who held the position for 14 months “with unwavering dedication and commitment.”
“We are pleased that the uncertainty regarding the Oakland Chief of Police position has been resolved,” said Sgt. Huy Nguyen, the union’s president. “Oakland’s diligent Police Officers eagerly anticipate collaborating with Chief Mitchell in serving our community.”
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