California Today

Oakland Police Department Poised to End 23-Year Federal Oversight

27 May 2026 12:35

A federal hearing on Wednesday will determine if the Oakland Police Department has fully complied with all 51 required reforms, potentially ending the longest federal oversight in U.S. history by September.

- The reforms began in 2003 after a class-action lawsuit over excessive force and racial profiling. - Lawsuits related to excessive force and wrongful death have dropped significantly since the reforms.

- The civilian-led Oakland Police Commission is expected to take over oversight, but funding concerns remain. - The department's constitutional policing unit is seeking permanent leadership as the city prepares for the transition.

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Oaklandcrimepolicepoliticscourt