Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee swears in James Beere as city's new official police chief

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland officially welcomed James Beere as its new police chief Wednesday, with Mayor Barbara Lee swearing in the 29-year department veteran during a ceremony at City Hall.

"It's a very exciting day," Beere said as he arrived for the event.

Lee, who announced Beere's selection several weeks ago, said the formal swearing-in marked an important moment for the city.

"A few weeks ago, I was so proud to announce James Beere as our permanent police chief and today we make it official," Lee said.

Beere takes the helm at a critical time for Oakland. He is now the city's seventh permanent or interim police chief in the past six years, and city leaders are looking to him to bring stability to a department that has seen frequent leadership turnover.

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Addressing a packed room of supporters, including faith leaders, city officials and fellow law enforcement officers, Beere reflected on his nearly three decades with the Oakland Police Department.

"Twenty-nine years ago, when I put this uniform on for the first time, I was a lot skinnier, a lot younger and a little bit naive," he said. "But I was very well prepared to start my journey of protecting this beautiful city we call Oakland."

The ceremony also offered a deeply personal moment for the new chief. During his remarks, Beere became emotional while thanking his wife and three sons for their support and sacrifices throughout his career.

"Thank you for standing by, for having patience with me and never asking me to take the easy path," Beere said. "You've always walked the path with me."

His oldest son said watching his father take the oath of office was a proud moment for the family.

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"I couldn't be more proud," he said. "He's been such an amazing role model my whole life and seeing all the great work he's done for our city and the police department every step of the way has been incredible."

Supporters say Beere's deep roots in Oakland distinguish him from many of the leaders who came before him.

"Chief Beere isn't just someone who works in Oakland. He lives here," said Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington. "His children attend Oakland Unified School District schools. He has invested his life and his family into this community. Every decision he makes will impact not only the city he serves, but the city he calls home."

Looking ahead, Beere outlined priorities for the department, including expanding Oakland's 'Ceasefire Strategy,' a violence-reduction program focused on community partnerships and preventing gun violence.

"The Ceasefire Strategy relies heavily on the community, our faith-based leaders and everyone coming together to tell our children we love them and to put the guns down," Beere said. "That philosophy needs to be expanded across the whole city."

As he begins his tenure, Beere inherits a department facing persistent public safety challenges, but supporters expressed confidence that his long history with Oakland and personal investment in the city will help guide its next chapter.