Part 6/12:
Oakland’s police leadership history reflects ongoing instability. Over the past 15 years, the city has had 11 different police chiefs, with several serving only short stints before being replaced or fired. Notably, the first female police chief, Kurpatre, was appointed in 2017 but was dismissed in 2020 amid controversy and later received a substantial wrongful termination settlement.
Other interim chiefs, including Susan Mannheimr and Darren Allison, have also seen brief tenures. Lauron Armstrong was appointed chief in February 2021 but was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired within two years amid internal and political turmoil.