Two OPD officers charged with DUI, DA Price expresses concern about department

(KRON) -- Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price wrote a public letter on Monday expressing concern about two Oakland police officers who were charged with driving under the influence.

DA Price did not identify the charged officers and said a third officer could "potentially" be charged. She said she was not at liberty to discuss details about the charges.

OPD said the officers in question were placed on administrative leave on June 2023 and October 2023 and remain under investigation. It described the cases as "an ongoing personnel matter."

Price said the arrests "represent an alarming trend within the Oakland Police Department" and said the public should be concerned because of how the department has handled disciplinary incidents in the past.

"Having police officers intoxicated while on or off-duty represents a clear and present danger to the office and public," she said.

She stressed that her office cannot properly hold the officers accountable unless OPD completes a thorough investigation. OPD said it is aware of the allegations and is cooperating with other law enforcement agencies.

Price addressed her letter to OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell and acting chief James Beere. Mitchell is away from office as he completes California-mandated training.

In a response to a KRON4 inquiry, OPD said neither Mitchell nor Beere received the letter, and the department found out about it from the media.

In 2021, an OPD officer allegedly committed a hit-and-run in a San Francisco parking lot, fleeing the scene after striking a parked car. OPD's handling of the matter led to chief LeRonne Armstrong's eventual firing.