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
***Continuous Recruitment***
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 City's 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 :
• Conducting annual public hearings, at minimum
• Issuing subpoenas and taking testimony on matters before it
• Proposing changes to policies and procedures
• Approving changes to policies proposed by OPD
• Reviewing OPD proposed budget and making recommendations
• Authority to fire the Chief of Police
• Recommending a list of at least 3 candidates for Chief of Police to the Mayor to consider
• Complete annual performance evaluation of Chief of Police
• Participate in ad hoc committees that may include discipline hearings for allegations of police misconduct.


Overseeing the Community Police Review Agency and Office of the Inspector General :
• Conducting performance reviews of Executive Director of CPRA and the Inspector General
• Hold the Executive Director of CPRA and the Inspector General accountability to their responsibilities as outlined in legislation and City policy
• Authority to hire, discipline and release the Director of CPRA and Inspector in accordance with the City Charter


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:
• current police officer or former Oakland police officer
• current City of Oakland employee
• current or former representative of a police officer labor union
• an attorney who has a pending claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department
• an attorney who has filed a claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department that was resolved during the past yea

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 Oakland's 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 officer's 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:
Should you have an questions or need assistance with the application process please email: or Call the City Administrators Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation

* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
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 You can also find video recordings of past meetings there.)

• 0
• 1-2
• 3 or more

Required Question