Police Commissioner (Volunteer)
Location
Oakland, CA
Job Type
Boards & Commissions
Job Number
25-PC-10
Department
Human Resources Management Department
Opening Date
10/29/2025
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Determined by Position
Bargaining Unit
U51
The Position
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately
Applications will be reviewed as vacancies arise
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
The City of Oakland is now accepting applications for appointments to the Police Commission.
The City of Oakland Police Commission oversees the Oakland Police Department's policies, practices, and customs to meet national standards of constitutional policing and oversees the Community Police Review Agency that investigates police misconduct and recommends discipline.
The Citys Police Commission is always seeking applications to ensure we have a diverse pool of candidates prepared to step into the role when vacancies arise.
There is significant time commitment anticipated for both meeting preparation and attendance. Regular meetings are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. Additional meetings for members serving on Ad Hoc or Standing Committees. Police commissioners should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on commission business. This is a volunteer position and does not receive any compensation or benefits.
Examples of Duties
The Commission is responsible for:
Overseeing the Oakland Police Department:
Overseeing the Community Police Review Agency and Office of the Inspector General:
Through these responsibilities, the Police Commission oversees the Oakland Police Department in order to make sure that its policies, practices and customs meet national standards of constitutional policing.
Minimum Requirements for Application
Oakland resident
At least 18 years old
Note: Commissioners cannot be any of the following:
Members must take the Oath of Office and submit Conflict of Interest Filings (Form 700) at the time of assuming office, annually by April 1, and within 30 days of separation from this body.
Only the most qualified applicants will be considered.
Supplemental Information
The Police Commission is comprised of seven regular and two alternate members, enabled by Oakland City Code section 604 of the Charter and who shall serve without compensation. Alternate Commissioners shall be eligible to serve on any Commission standing or ad hoc committee, including any Discipline Committee. To the extent practicable, appointments shall be broadly representative of Oaklands diversity and shall include members with knowledge and/or experience in the fields of human resources practices, management, policy development, auditing, law, investigations, law enforcement, youth representation, civil rights and civil liberties, as well as representation from communities experiencing the most frequent contact with the Department. The City Council may require, by ordinance, that some or all of the Commissioners have expertise in a specified subject matter. Background checks shall be required for all Commissioners. Such background checks shall not be performed by the Department. Commissioners shall be issued identification cards, but shall not be issued and shall not display, wear, or carry badges that so resemble a peace officers badge that an ordinary reasonable person would believe that Commissioners have the authority of a peace officer.
Section 604 of the Charter of the City of Oakland establishes the Police Commission as the body responsible for overseeing the Oakland Police Department (hereinafter, Department) in order to ensure that its policies, practices, and customs conform to national standards of constitutional policing. The Commission shall have the functions and duties enumerated in this Charter Section 604, as well as those assigned to the Commission by Ordinance.
In order to be considered as a Police commissioner, please submit your resume, completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
For more information about the Oakland Police Commission, please visit: Police Commission | City of Oakland, CA
Should you have an questions or need assistance with the application process please email: CAO@Oaklandca.gov or Call the City Administrators Office at (510) 238 6903. Walk-ins are also welcome
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
01
Please describe any life, work, and/or significant community volunteer experiences that prepared you to contribute to the work of the Commission
02
Please provide your perspectives of Public Safety in the City of Oakland.
03
How do you believe you can contribute to advancing the Police Commission's mission, vision, and goals of ensuring fair and transparent police accountability?
04
How long have you lived in Oakland?
05
How many meetings of the Police Commission have you attended on Zoom or in person? (You can find a link to the next meeting on the agenda for that meeting, which can be found here You can also find video recordings of past meetings there.)
Required Question
Employer City of Oakland
Address 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza - 2nd Floor
Oakland, California, 94612
Phone (510) 238-3112
Website http://www.oaklandca.gov/