The chief manages and oversees the planning, development and implementation of all law enforcement and crime prevention programs for the city.

They provide leadership, vision and direction to the department and its command staff and promotes collaboration, communication and coordination with other city agencies and community organizations.

[4] Oakland PD monitor Robert Warshaw forced Whent to resign due to the role of Whent (and his wife) in the coverup of a sexual-misconduct scandal involving Oakland police officers (as well as personnel from multiple other agencies) and a child sex trafficking victim.

[5] Mayor Libby Schaaf appointed City Administrator Sabrina Landreth as head of the department on June 17, 2016, putting it under civilian control, after 3 police chiefs resigned within 9 days.

[8] On February 15, 2023, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao announced plans to fire the city's current police chief LeRonne Armstrong.