OAKLAND — The Oakland Police Department got a much-needed infusion to its ranks May 29 as 17 new officers graduated from the 196th Basic Recruit Academy.
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That brings the number of rank and file officers in the department to 621. The department is authorized for 678 positions, but dozens of officers are unable to work because they are on administrative, medical and other leaves.
A report in 2025 by consulting group PFM Financial Advisors found that OPD was by about 199 full-time officers. A city of Oakland’s size, the report argued, needs at least 877 officers on the force. There are 37 potential new officers being trained in the 197th recruit academy.
The May 29 ceremony was held at the Scottish Rite Center and was attended by more than 120 relatives, friends and fellow police officers.
Interim Chief of Police James Beere told the graduates: “The department and city have invested in you to devote yourself to public safety. I am counting on you. Oakland is counting on you. In this profession you always represent the badge, on and off duty.
“The actions of one individual, no matter how small, shape public perception. Uphold our integrity and honor the badge you now wear.”
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Mayor Barbara Lee was not present at the ceremony but released a statement later that said the graduation “marks another step forward in our commitment to strengthening public safety and recruitment efforts across Oakland. To our new officers: thank you for your commitment to serve. You are joining a police force with leadership that I am very proud of.
“Your city stands behind you, and we will continue to invest in the resources, cadet programs and academies necessary to keep our communities safe, vibrant, and on the move.”
The class includes three women and fourteen men. Officer Reinel Adajar was named class valedictorian. The other newly sworn officers are Kimberly Galvan, Long Banh, Jacob Harris, Nathaniel Kelly, Mohsen Mohamed, Ashley Flores, Brandon Jackson, Alejandro Alvarez, Joel Septien, Diego Negrete, Braheim Himed, Ayorn Saechao, Alberto Felix, Elizabeth Alvelo, Tyrique Johnson, and Mariano Camacho.
More than a third of the class has relatives who are either current or retired law enforcement officers, including several who are with or worked for the Oakland Police Department.
Two new Alameda Police Department officers, Brajon Lollis and Shawn Smith and one new BART officer, Jesus Herrera, also were part of the academy.
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Bay Area News Group staff writer Shomik Mukherjee contributed to this report.
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