Bring Back Chief LeRonne Armstrong, Now!

Black Action Alliance Urges Swift Action by City of Oakland Leadership to Appoint Former Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, to Chief of the Oakland Police Department to Stabilize Public Safety in the City of Oakland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 9, 2025 

Contact: Black Action Alliance 

Email: info@blackactionalliance.org

Website: www.blackactionalliance.org

(OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA) — The Black Action Alliance (BAA) is deeply troubled and frustrated by the abrupt departure of Chief Floyd Mitchell from the Oakland Police Department (OPD). Public safety is the most important issue for Oakland residents, visitors, businesses and regional partners (Alameda County, State of California).

Driving a successful, community-based public safety program involves building long-term partnerships with residents, community and OPD staff. Former Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong has done just that and when supported by city leadership, can do so again.

The City of Oakland leadership must move swiftly to stabilize public safety by appointing Former Chief Armstrong as Chief of the Oakland Police Department. He is an Oakland native, graduate of Oakland Unified School District, and a trusted leader who is best positioned to bring the community together, prioritize tangible solutions and implement constitutional policing that Oakland deserves.

Under Former Chief Armstrong’s leadership, OPD reached its closest point in two decades to ending federal oversight. Community relationships began to heal, reform benchmarks were met, and the city saw glimpses of stability.

“Chief Mitchell’s short tenure on the job highlights the sensitive nature of the City of Oakland’s public safety challenges,” said Sinclair Ridley-Thomas, CEO of BAA. He continued, “Residents, visitors and stakeholders across Oakland are unified in demanding that our leaders resolve OPD staffing shortages, center police-community relations and ensure that 21^st century constitutional policing drives high quality of life in the City of Oakland. Appointing Former Chief Armstrong will enable OPD to continue its momentum in recruiting qualified officers and refining policies that best serve the public safety interests of the broader Oakland community.”

BAA is proud to join thousands of Oakland residents and scores of community-based organizations in calling for Former Chief Armstrong’s rapid reinstatement to stabilize public safety in the City of Oakland.

About the Black Action Alliance

BAA was formed to give a voice to the Black community in the Bay Area, whose views have historically been underrepresented in policy implementation. While many past leaders have claimed to represent our community, their actions have not aligned with our community’s needs. BAA supports common sense ideas that improve public safety, homelessness, the small business ecosystem, affordable housing, and quality public education, among other issues central to the Black Community.