Oakland Police Chief Resigns After 17 Months on the Job

"For reasons that he did not share publicly, Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell is leaving his post after less than a year and a half on the job, which leaves Oakland once again in search of a new police chief. The city of Oakland has had quite a few chiefs leading its police department in the last two decades. They don't tend to last long in the job on average, about two years, with 12 different people holding the post since 2000."

"Mitchell issued a statement that gives no reason for his departure. "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 the 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.""

Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell is resigning effective December after 17 months on the job. Oakland has had 12 different police chiefs since 2000, averaging about two years per chief. Mitchell gave no public reason for his departure but said he was honored to serve, proud of department personnel, and committed to a smooth transition while keeping Oakland safe. Mayor Barbara Lee credited significant reductions in crime since Mitchell began in May 2024. A source told KTVU that Mitchell was reportedly not very responsive to the mayor and tended to make decisions without consulting her. The department remains under a 20-year federal oversight burden.

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