The city of Oakland, California, fired its police chief on Wednesday over the alleged cover-up of an officer’s misconduct, marking the loss of the city’s seventh head of police since 2016 as the department nears 20 years under federal oversight.
Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao announced she was firing Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong after an independent investigation concluded the chief and the department failed to properly investigate and discipline Sgt. Michael Chung, who was involved in a hit-and-run with his patrol car in 2021.
A separate incident also showed Chung fired his firearm inside an elevator at police headquarters, according to The Associated Press.
Thao, who took office last month, said in a lengthy statement the federal judge overseeing the city said he was “profoundly disappointed” in the evidence he’d seen, and the report demonstrated “significant cultural problems” within Oakland PD.
OAKLAND POLICE TO INCREASE PRESENCE AMID CRIME WAVE, CITY LEADERS SEEK TO REVERSE PLANNED CUTS
The issues were determined serious enough to render Oakland PD out of compliance with an important requirement of a negotiated settlement agreement initially decided upon in January 2003.
Thao said she personally believes the report shows continued reform is absolutely necessary in order to address issues that have been brought to light.
“As Oakland continues to improve its police department, we must be confident that our Chief will be effective in making sustainable improvements that can be recognized by the federal monitor, the federal court and the people of Oakland,” Thao said.
She said that she admires Armstrong, made her decision difficult, but she had to put personal relationships and feelings aside in order for progress to continue.
“Chief Armstrong has my respect and appreciation for his service to the Department and to the City that he grew up in and that he loves dearly. He will continue to have my respect and appreciation,” Thao added.
She also made clear there are many…
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