For Immediate Release January 16, 2026
Today, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) welcomed 14 new officers from the 195th Basic Recruit Academy at a ceremony held at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland. “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,” Interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere said. “You are here to serve Oakland. Put community needs, 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.”
"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.” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said. “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."
“Service before self is a call of honor and duty. Today, we recognize and thank a new class of trainees stepping up to the highest call of service and committing themselves to the safety of the Oakland community,” City Administrator Jestin Johnson said. “Public safety is the highest responsibility of local government, and we are also grateful to our Mayor and City Council for investing in these police academies in the City budget last summer as we worked to address major shortfalls. Our elected leaders’ ongoing commitment to public safety is echoed by the City Administrator’s Office and every City employee.”
The 195th Academy Class includes one woman and thirteen men. Officer Lael Beltran is the class valedictorian. The additional newly sworn officers are Chan Saechao, Adriana Talavera, Kevon Reed, Alejandro Cuevas, Anthony Caraveo, Miguel Gonzalez, Gary Moran, Anthony Nguyen, Henry Stern, Jarrett Mitchell, Nasser Aaid, Jerrel Green, and Jawan Davis.
The graduates are a welcome addition to our Oakland family, bringing the department's sworn officers to 618.
