OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong has been placed on administrative leave, city officials announced Thursday.
Assistant Chief Darren Allison will serve as acting chief.
Armstrong was placed on leave for “dereliction of duty” after he reportedly failed to take action on a sergeant who ripped the bumper off a neighbor’s car and fired a gun in the department elevator, according to ABC7 News I-Team sources.
The report was released in relation to the federal oversight of the Oakland Police Department, which has been ongoing for 20 years.
“The decision was not taken lightly, but we believe that it is critical for the safety of our community that we build trust and confidence between the Department and the public,” reads a statement from Mayor Sheng Thao and City Administrator Ed Reiskin. “We must have transparency and accountability to move forward as a safer and stronger Oakland.”
“Oakland and its Police Department have taken the negotiated settlement agreement very seriously and undertaken a number of steps to improve our systems for accountability and transparency. As part of that resolve, we have to hold officers accountable when they violate the public trust.”
Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan said, “Despite the decision to place Chief Armstrong on administrative leave, Oakland residents can be assured that its dedicated police officers will continue to respond to their calls for help.”
Oakland city council member Rebecca Kaplan released the following statement:
“The Independent Monitor’s report proves that investigations of police misconduct should be handled independently and by civilians. OPD should not be in charge of investigating themselves. Council has previously voted tor that change.”
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