Home / Crime and Justice / Oakland PD Welcomes 14 New Officers Amid Staffing Crisis
Oakland PD Welcomes 14 New Officers Amid Staffing Crisis
17 Jan
Summary
- Fourteen new officers graduated, marking OPD's first academy class in a year.
- Officer Lael Beltran, an Oakland native, earned all academy awards and joins his mother.
- Despite new hires, the department still faces a significant officer shortage.
The Oakland Police Department recently celebrated the graduation of its 195th Police Academy class, adding 14 new sworn officers. This ceremony marks the first academy graduation in a year, a significant development amid ongoing staffing concerns. Mayor Barbara Lee aims to increase the force to 700 officers, with a long-term goal of 850.
Among the new graduates is Officer Lael Beltran, an Oakland native and former Marine, who achieved notable academic and leadership awards. He will now serve alongside his mother, Lieutenant Gloria Beltran, a veteran officer. The department lost approximately 75 officers to attrition over the past year, highlighting the persistent challenge of maintaining adequate staffing levels.
City leaders are committed to bolstering recruitment, having funded multiple future academies and continuing their cadet program. While overall violent crime has decreased compared to the previous year, Oakland continues to grapple with high crime rates. The 196th Police Academy is already underway, with an additional 15 to 20 officers expected to graduate in May 2026.
