- Oakland’s police chief, Leanne Armstrong, faced an accusation for allegedly concealing an officer’s misconduct.
- In as many as seven years, the Oakland Police Department has bid farewell to seven police chiefs.
- Following an investigation where it was concluded that the chief and the department did not properly look into and take action against a sergeant named Michael Chung, Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao declared the termination of Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong.
- Armstrong was terminated a month after being placed on administrative leave due to allegations of neglecting his duties and not handling the misconduct of one of his officers effectively.
- Support for Armstrong has been expressed by community advocates and faith leaders, some even calling for the recall of the new Mayor, while others advocate for Armstrong’s reinstatement.
Oakland’s police chief, Leanne Armstrong, faced an accusation for allegedly concealing an officer’s misconduct.
The Oakland Police Department has lost seven police chiefs in as many years, risking the prolongation of two decades of federal oversight.
At a news conference, Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao announced the firing of police chief LeRonne Armstrong after an investigation concluded that the chief and the department failed to properly investigate and discipline a sergeant, Michael Chung.
Reports surfaced that he was involved in a hit-and-run with his patrol car and discharged his service weapon inside an elevator at police headquarters in a separate incident.
Thao emphasized the need for the police chief in Oakland to have a significant role “in making improvements that the federal monitor, the federal court and the people of Oakland can recognize”.
“I am no longer confident that Chief Armstrong can do the work needed to achieve the vision,” Thao stated on Wednesday.
Outside city hall, advocates and faith leaders rallied in support of the ousted Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who was dismissed without stated cause by Mayor Sheng Thao.
Armstrong’s termination came a month after he was put on administrative leave due to allegations of negligence in handling the misconduct by one of his officers.
Following his termination, Armstrong released a statement asserting that his dismissal was “fundamentally wrong, unjustified, and unfair.”
Advocates are now focusing their criticism on the Mayor, claiming that their concerns were disregarded in the matter.
Mayor Thao declined to comment on Armstrong Thursday. Another rally in support of Armstrong is scheduled for Monday morning at Oakland City Hall.
