Oakland residents gathered for a forum hosted by the Oakland Police Commission to evaluate potential candidates for the city’s next police chief. Notably absent from the event was Mayor Sheng Thao, adding intrigue to an already heated selection process.

Evaluating the Candidates

The forum showcased four prominent contenders handpicked by the Oakland Police Commission. Among them were Louis Molina, assistant deputy mayor in New York City, Lisa Davis, assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, former San Leandro Chief Abdul Pridgen, and Floyd Mitchell, former Lubbock police chief.

Each candidate presented their vision for the Oakland Police Department’s future, highlighting their strategies for the first 100 days in office. Molina emphasized community engagement and evidence-based decision-making, while Davis stressed collaboration and accountability. Pridgen prioritized budget management, staffing, and fostering community trust, while Mitchell emphasized the importance of feedback from both the community and police officers on the ground.

Public Reaction and Feedback

The absence of Mayor Thao didn’t go unnoticed, with community members expressing both curiosity and concern about her decision. Nevertheless, the forum provided a platform for residents to directly engage with the candidates and voice their expectations.

Feedback from attendees was largely positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates. Community leaders, such as Merlin Edwards of the Oakland NAACP, emphasized the importance of such forums in ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process.

Moving Forward

Following the forum, the ad-hoc committee entered closed session to deliberate and vote on their preferred candidates. Their decision will be presented to Mayor Thao, shaping the next steps in the appointment of Oakland’s new police chief.

The outcome of this selection process will undoubtedly have significant implications for Oakland’s policing strategies and community relations moving forward.

For more updates on local news and events, stay tuned to TLNA.

Jana Katsuyama is a reporter for KTVU. For inquiries, email Jana at [email protected] or call her at 510-326-5529. Follow her on Twitter @JanaKTVU.

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