Full Notification

For Immediate Release May 29, 2026
 
Oakland Police Department Welcomes 17 New Officers



The Oakland Police Department (OPD) welcomed 17 new officers from the 196th Basic Recruit Academy at a ceremony at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland today. “The department and city have invested in you to devote yourself to public safety. I am counting on you. Oakland is counting on you,” stated Interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere. “In this profession, you always represent the badge, on and off duty. The actions of one individual, no matter how small, shape public perception. Uphold our integrity and honor the badge you now wear.”
 
"The graduation of Oakland’s 196th Police Academy marks another step forward in our commitment to strengthening public safety and recruitment efforts across Oakland,” stated Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “To our new officers: thank you for your commitment to serve. You are joining a police force with leadership that I am very proud of. Your City stands behind you, and we will continue to invest in the resources, cadet programs, and academies necessary to keep our communities safe, vibrant, and on the move."
 
The 196th Academy Class includes three women and fourteen men. Officer Reinel Adajar was named class valedictorian. The newly sworn officers are Kimberly Galvan, Long Banh, Jacob Harris, Nathaniel Kelly, Mohsen Mohamed, Ashley Flores, Brandon Jackson, Alejandro Alvarez, Joel Septien, Diego Negrete, Braheim Himed, Ayorn Saechao, Alberto Felix, Elizabeth Alvelo, Tyrique Johnson, and Mariano Camacho.
 
We welcome these graduates as valuable additions to the Oakland Police Department family, bringing the total number of sworn officers to 621.
 
Additionally, the 196th Academy graduating class included two officers from the Alameda Police Department and one from the Bart Police Department.