Constitutional Policing Administrator

City-of-Oakland,-Ca; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oakland, California, is recruiting a Constitutional Policing Administrator (CPA) to lead accountability, compliance, and technical guidance within the Oakland Police Department. The CPA will coordinate with City leadership, departments, and community stakeholders to strengthen constitutional policing and public trust, drawing on best practices and the NSA.

The role requires five years of investigations or oversight experience, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, public/public administration, or related field.
• Advanced degree (JD/ Master's) is desirable.
• Experience in investigations, audits, policy analysis, or oversight related to law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Administration’s lead on interdepartmental collaborative efforts on public safety responses.
• Provide guidance to Mayor and City Administrator on sensitive issues related to accountability and best practices.
• Advise Chief of Police and executive team to improve operations and community trust.
• Review and update department policies to align with best practices and City standards.
• Monitor internal investigations and advise on policy recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Policy analysis

Communication

Discretion

Collaboration

Accountability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree desirable

Job description

The City of Oakland, California, is conducting a national search for the position of Constitutional Policing Administrator (CPA). The CPA is an at-will management classification that plays a critical role in serving ascompliance, technical assistance and accountability functionembeddedwithin the Oakland Police Department (OPD);andregularly provides updates to the Mayor and City Administrator on a wide range of OPD operations, policies and procedures. This position partners with internal and external stakeholders to build public trust in OPD by providing hands‑on technical assistance in all areas of OPD operations, including recruitment,contracts, internal audits, risk management and police operations. This vital position provides consistent support and accountability as OPD focuses on policyand constitutional lawadherence,andcommunity trust building. TheConstitutional Policing Administration must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in reviewing and resolving operational problems and policy matters that may arise. The incumbent receives direction from an Assistant City Administrator or the City Administrator.

The CPA will enhance internal accountability, update the Mayor and City Administrator on a wide range of OPD operations, and ensure compliance with the principles of constitutional policing. The CPA will be guided by national best practices and the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA). The CPA fosters and maintains effective and collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including City departments, internal governing bodies, regional and state partners, community organizations and leaders, and other public and private agencies.

The following qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling positions in this classification.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Administration’s lead on interdepartmental collaborative efforts on Public Safety responses.
• Provide expert guidance to the Mayor and City Administrator on sensitive, confidential, and potentially controversial issues related to accountability and adherence to best practices, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Provide expert guidance to the Chief of Police and the executive command team to improve operations and community trust.
• Review and evaluate with department staff policies and procedures to provide technical assistance and feedback while updates are completed to align with best practices and City of Oakland standards.
• Review all areas of OPD internal operations with executive command and department staff to identify areas of improvement and streamline processes.
• Review and revise departmental policies to maintain compliance with federal and state laws, settlement agreements, and constitutional standards.
• Review, evaluate, monitor, and provide input regarding critical incidents including in‑custody deaths, officer‑involved shootings, and significant incidents.
• Track and analyze lawsuits involving OPD to assess patterns, mitigate risks, and develop policy recommendations that strengthen legal compliance and accountability.
• Foster relationships with community stakeholders, advocacy groups, and oversight bodies to enhance public trust, transparency, and community‑oriented policing efforts.
• Advise City Council, relevant commissions, and boards regarding any pending or ongoing department matters of significant concern and serve as the staff to the Public Safety Committee.
• Coordinate with Oakland Fire Department and Department of Violence Prevention on City Council and Mayor directives at the direction of the City Administration.
• Prepare and make presentations to City officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor, audit, and report on internal investigations conducted by the Oakland Police Department concerning allegations of excessive/unnecessary force or other misconduct issues as deemed appropriate; attend briefings and interviews; request information for further investigation if deemed necessary; develop independent conclusions and produce reports.
• Manage, oversee, and participate in the initial processing of police misconduct complaints alleging misconduct or other concerns; document, review, and analyze complaints; communicate with community members, police staff, and others as needed to identify complaint issues; determine level of follow‑up required.
• Develop and prepare recommendations on Oakland Police Department policies and procedures related to internal investigations of complaints filed against officers and Police Department operations.
• Manage, oversee, and participate in the initial processing of police misconduct complaints alleging misconduct or other concerns; document, review, and analyze complaints; communicate with community members, police staff, and others as needed to identify complaint issues; determine level of follow‑up required.
• Participate on committees, boards, and task forces and in community activities as needed; attend meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Monitor legislation and ensure City compliance with related laws, regulations, statutes, and codes.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a reform‑minded leader, with deep knowledge in the principles and practices of civilian oversight of law enforcement, who conveys a cooperative working style to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be capable of inspiring trust both internally and externally, and will be committed to building and implementing meaningful, lasting best practices. The CPA will be an excellent communicator, with sound judgment, the ability to direct and perform complex problem‑solving, and can handle difficult issues involving sensitive and confidential matters.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrate leadership, team building, and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to gain cooperation through discussion and collaboration.
• Demonstrate a strong, measurable commitment to race and equity, and a passion for public service.
• Meet critical deadlines and make decisions under pressure.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Have a proven record of exhibiting discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information.
• Lead with compassion, exercise humility and be responsive.
• Have a commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical behavior.

The following qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling exempt positions.

Education:

Education: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university, with major coursework or concentration in law enforcement, police science, criminal justice, social justice, social science, public or business administration, law, or a closely related field. An advanced degree, such as a juris doctorate, Master’s degree, or higher, is desirable.

Experience:

Experience: This position requires five (5) years of professional experience in a legal or administrative setting that includes substantial responsibility for conducting investigations, audits, policy analysis, and/or oversight activities related to law enforcement issues. Senior‑level executive management experience is highly desirable.

License:

License: This position requires five (5) years of professional experience in a legal or administrative setting that includes substantial responsibility for conducting investigations, audits, policy analysis, and/or oversight activities related to law enforcement issues. Senior‑level executive management experience is highly desirable. incumbent in this position is expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation is not a cost effective or efficient method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of their employment. Possession of a certification from the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement as a Certified Practitioner of Oversight is desirable.

THE PROCESS

The process for the Constitutional Policing Administrator position will begin with the screening of applications, resumes, and cover letters by Ralph Andersen & Associates. The most qualified candidates will be contacted to arrange a screening interview, which will determine who advances to the interview phase. Interviews will be conducted likely with a panel of technical experts and other stakeholders familiar with the position and with internal representatives. Final candidates will be interviewed by the Human Services Director and the program’s governing bodies.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual salary range for this position is $175,879.44 to $263,819.28. Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits include generous medical insurance, life insurance, automobile allowance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, management leave, public sector retirement (CalPERS), and voluntary deferred compensation.

For additional information or questions, please contact Chief Daniel Hanh (ret.) at [phone] or email [e-mail]. The position remains open until filled.