In a city that has become synonymous with chaos, corruption, and systemic failure, the recent resignation of Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell marks yet another chapter in the long, sordid saga of the Oakland Police Department (OPD). The narrative of lawlessness in this urban landscape has reached a fever pitch, with rampant misconduct, a slew of police chiefs, and a community left feeling abandoned. The city, a microcosm of America’s broader struggles with race, justice, and accountability, deserves a reckoning.
A Pattern of Corruption
The FBI’s decision to open a criminal investigation into the OPD in July 2024 should send shockwaves through the community. This move is not merely procedural; it reflects ongoing concerns about corruption that have plagued the department for years. The internal investigations into police conduct have not only exposed individual failings but systemic rot at the very core of the department. For instance, the 2023 bribery case, wherein a detective was accused of bribing a witness in a murder case, unearthed disturbing practices that had allowed unrecorded cash payments to witnesses for years. This scandal echoes the infamous Riders scandal from the early 2000s, where officers were implicated in planting drugs, falsifying reports, and using excessive force—primarily against Black men.
Officer Richard Alvarez: A Case Study in Misconduct
Take the case of Officer Richard Alvarez, who was fired for engaging in sexual conduct with a mentally ill woman he had previously detained. This egregious breach of trust is emblematic of a department that has seen 12 police chiefs in just 15 years—a staggering statistic that underscores the instability and dysfunction rampant within the OPD. Alvarez’s actions demonstrate a culture of impunity that allows officers to exploit their positions without fear of accountability.
Floyd Mitchell’s Controversial Tenure
Floyd Mitchell’s tenure as police chief has been marred by controversy even before he set foot in Oakland. His previous role in Texas was overshadowed by allegations of mishandling critical dispatch issues, leading to thousands of missed 911 calls. Appointed by Mayor Sheng Thao, who herself was indicted on corruption charges, Mitchell’s leadership was doomed from the outset. The question looms large: how can a city expect to restore integrity in its police force when its leadership is tainted by scandal?
A Complicit Justice System
The OPD’s troubling relationship with the Alameda County District Attorney’s office further complicates matters. The DA’s office has a troubling history of excluding Black and Jewish jurors, and recent allegations of racist comments made about the AAPI community highlight a persistent culture of discrimination. Such biases undermine the integrity of the entire criminal justice system, leaving marginalized groups vulnerable to systemic injustice.
The State of Oakland: A City in Crisis
As the OPD grapples with these scandals, Oakland itself is in a state of crisis. Escalating crime rates, homelessness, and economic despair are rampant, yet resources are diverted toward investigating community organizations rather than addressing these pressing issues. The community is left feeling not only neglected but actively targeted by a law enforcement agency that seems more focused on harassment than healing.
The Hafid Alrowhani Case: A Disturbing Example
The case of Hafid Alrowhani, who was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution to his victim, exemplifies the dysfunction of the justice system. Alrowhani’s violent attack nearly severed his victim’s ear, yet he was allowed to serve his time on an ankle monitor, enabling him to continue operating his West Oakland liquor store. This leniency raises significant questions about the considerations given to victims versus perpetrators in the city’s justice system.
Moreover, Alrowhani’s unfounded allegations of being attacked and robbed by Sabian Carabello—a prominent community leader—led to a full-scale OPD investigation. Despite the lack of evidence, including no witnesses or surveillance footage, the OPD, with the aid of U.S. Marshals, raided Carabello’s waterfront penthouse, seizing mushroom sacraments and charging him with various offenses. The absurdity of this situation is amplified by the fact that Alrowhani’s claims were based purely on his word—a word that holds far more weight than that of a successful Black entrepreneur.
The Flawed Investigation of Sabian Carabello
Sabian Carabello, a respected community figure and successful businessman, was subjected to a raid led by Officer Forest Klein of the OPD’s robbery division based solely on Alrowhani’s dubious accusations. The irony is palpable: had the police conducted even a cursory examination of Carabello’s credentials and community contributions, they might have realized that attacking his reputation based on the claims of a violent immigrant was not only reckless but fundamentally unjust. The police were so eager to pin crimes on a Black man that they overlooked the glaring evidence against the credibility of Alrowhani’s allegations.
Systemic Inequities in the Justice System
The city council’s Resolution 87731 explicitly prohibits the city from spending taxpayer money to investigate or prosecute anyone for entheogenic plants—a resolution that the OPD blatantly ignored. Instead of focusing on the rampant crime and community safety, the department has chosen to target organizations like the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony. This is emblematic of a larger issue—an ingrained bias toward immigrants and a systemic disregard for the rights of Black Americans.
Erica Treeby and the Fight for Justice
In the face of these injustices, the Ritual Church has enlisted the help of Erica Treeby from the esteemed Pier 5 Law firm. Known for its high-profile clientele, including figures like Huey P. Newton, the Hells Angels, and Shrimp Boy Chow, Treeby’s firm has built a solid reputation as a fierce advocate for social justice. Her involvement in this case underscores the critical need for dedicated legal support in response to the oppressive tactics employed by law enforcement.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The resignations, scandals, and ongoing investigations into the OPD paint a grim picture of a department in crisis. The people of Oakland deserve better—better leadership, better accountability, and a justice system that reflects the values of equity and fairness. As we witness the unraveling of Floyd Mitchell’s tenure and the systemic failures of the OPD, it becomes clear that the time for reform is long overdue.
We must demand accountability from our law enforcement agencies and push for a system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its community members. The future of Oakland depends on it. As we rally together to confront these injustices, let us remember that true justice is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of equity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
This is the time for Oakland to rise from the ashes of corruption and chaos, to reclaim its dignity, and to forge a path toward a future where justice serves all, not just the privileged few. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that happens.
