VIDEO: Oakland PD Deputy Chief Named Acting Assistant Chief
Oakland (CA) Police Department's Deputy Chief David Downing has been named acting assistant chief by Mayor Libby Schaff, reports KGO.
This comes after Oakland city officials were allegedly informed that the appointment of the city administrator over the Oakland Police Department may have been in violation of state laws.
Even City Councilman Noel Gallo is having a hard time keeping track of the rapidly changing chiefs and their titles.
"We just added to the confusion and certainly I'm not happy," he said.
Downing, who has been with the department for more than 20 years, is the fourth person to oversee the department in nine days.
Last Friday the mayor announced the department would be placed under civilian control. She appointed city administrator Sabrina Landreth as head.
But now Downing is in charge after the city was told the appointment of a civilian as department head may violate state law.
But there may be another change in chiefs soon. Downing is expected to retire in six months.
