OAKLAND — The Oakland Police Department got a much-needed infusion Friday with the graduation of 14 new officers from the 195th recruit academy.
The department is authorized for 678 officers and the graduation brings the number of filled positions to 618. But dozens of officers are not working because of medical and administrative leaves. Mayor Barbara Lee was set to hold a news briefing Wednesday to address how the city hopes to deal with the shortage of officers.
The graduation was held at the Scottish Rite Temple and was attended by about 150 family, friends, city officials and other officers.
Interim Chief of Police James Beere, presiding over his first academy graduation as chief, said: “As officers for the City of Oakland, our primary responsibility goes beyond addressing crime; it is to foster trust and work alongside our community, engaging openly and treating everyone with respect. You are here to serve Oakland. Put community needs first, especially when people are vulnerable. Act with professionalism, compassion, and integrity in every moment. I am counting on you. Our families are counting on you. Oakland is counting on you.”
The graduation was also the first under Lee’s administration. She said at the ceremony: “I want to thank the men and women of the 195th Academy Class for answering the call to serve Oakland at this critical moment for the city. Their decision to wear this badge is an act of courage, commitment, and leadership. These officers will serve our communities with integrity, understanding, and pride. Oakland is stronger because of them.”
Several of the graduates come from law enforcement families.
Class valedictorian Lael Beltran is the son of Oakland police Lt. Gloria Beltran, who commands the homicide unit. Officer Henry Stern’s father is retired Berkeley police officer Harry Stern, who is a partner in the Rains Lucia Stern law firm, which represents police officers throughout the state. Officer Anthony Caraveo’s uncle is retired Oakland police officer George Mate and Officer Gary Moran’s brother is San Francisco police Officer Mario Menendez.
The other graduates are Chan Saechao, Adriana Talavera, Kevon Reed, Alejandro Cuevas, Miguel Gonzalez, Anthony Nguyen, Jarrett Mitchell, Nasser Aaid, Jerrel Green, and Jawan Davis.
Leave a Reply