Oakland Police Chief James Beere officially sworn in

OAKLAND, Calif. - City leaders and community members gathered at Oakland City Hall on Wednesday to swear in James Beere as Oakland's permanent police chief.

Swearing-in ceremony

What we know:

Beere looked thrilled, hugging well-wishers with a big smile on his face ahead of the official ceremony, which came three weeks after Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced the city was promoting him to the permanent role. 

Cheers erupted after his post became official. 

Standing before the crowd, Beere said he never thought he'd ever become OPD chief.

"Standing here, I am truly humbled," Beere said, getting emotional at one point while he gave his wife a special thanks for her support. 

At the ceremony, Lee called Beere a "dedicated servant" whose time had come to lead Oakland. 

His family was asked to stand briefly so that Council President Kevin Jenkins could thank them for letting Oakland borrow their father.

Jenkins said that in a city that often has disagreements, Beere seems to have the "highest favorability outside the mayor."

Beere had been serving as interim chief since Dec. 6. He joined the Oakland Police Department in 1997 and has served with the agency for nearly 30 years. 

During his tenure, he has lived in Oakland, raised his family in the city, and earned several internal department merit and leadership awards. He holds a degree from Golden Gate University and is a graduate of the FBI Academy.

Lee and other city leaders cited Beere's deep familiarity with both the city and the police department as a key factor in his selection. That perspective is shared by the Oakland Police Officers Association.

Huy Nguyen, president of the officers union, noted that Beere previously served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps and has built strong trust among rank-and-file officers. Nguyen said members are very supportive of Beere leading the 612-officer agency.

Riders scandal, oversight

The backstory:

Leadership stability has been a challenge for the agency, which has had 12 police chiefs since 2013. 

A central issue for previous chiefs has been the department's ongoing federal oversight, which stems from the "Riders" scandal two decades ago and requires OPD to maintain a specific set of court-ordered reforms.

Beere told KTVU earlier this month that he not only understands the federal oversight process, but has embraced it throughout his career at OPD. 

City leaders expressed confidence that his background equips him to navigate the remaining requirements and guide the department toward independence.

The department could finally exit federal oversight following a court hearing with a federal judge scheduled for this fall.

Beere made special mention in his speech of constitutional policing and his commitment to police reforms.

"I am here for you. I am here for the department," Beere said. "I look forward to leading into the future." 

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