OAKLAND — Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price sent a letter to the Oakland Police Department’s leaders on Monday, raising concerns about the arrests of multiple officers since mid-2023 who were suspected of driving drunk on the job.
The letter implored the police force’s leaders to develop “clear policies” regarding officers’ use of alcohol, while making a vague reference to “officers on duty allegedly under the influence.” It was addressed to Chief Floyd Mitchell and Acting Chief James Beere, who is leading the department while Mitchell attends a month-long state certification program required of new police chiefs who arrive from departments outside of California.
“As stewards of public safety, it is critical that we hold police officers to the highest standards,” Price’s letter said.
At a press conference Monday, Price declined to identify any officers accused of wrongdoing, nor did she provide any details of any alleged crimes, saying the cases are active.
The letter appeared to reference the arrests of two Oakland police officers accused of drinking and driving while at work.
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On June 30, 2023, Oakland police summoned California State Patrol investigators after growing suspicious that Officer Nathaniel Walker III had been driving his police vehicle while intoxicated, according to court documents. His subsequent arrest came just three months after highway patrol officer arrested him on suspicion of being drunk while driving home from work, with a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit of .08, the documents show.
A few months later, Oakland police arrested Officer Trevor Harley on suspicion of driving under the influence after he pulled up alongside other officers on Oct. 7, 2023, while reeking of alcohol, according to court documents. He later admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel, the documents said.
Both officers were charged with misdemeanor DUI and placed on administrative leave.
In a statement, the Oakland Police Department’s communications team said neither Mitchell or Beere had received the letter Monday afternoon, but the agency “is aware of the allegations made against our members and is cooperating with our outside law enforcement agencies on each case.” It described the incidents as “an ongoing personnel matter.”
Price won office in 2022 while campaigning heavily on a platform of holding law enforcement and government officials accountable when they are accused of breaking the law. A unit Price established to handle such cases, however, has experienced repeated setbacks in recent months, and she is facing an unprecedented recall vote during the Nov. 5 election.
Staff writer Harry Harris contributed to this report.