Fremont's New Police Chief Is Former Oakland Leader: Report

FREMONT, CA — Former Oakland Chief of Police Floyd Mitchell will take over the helm in Fremont, according to a report from KTVU.

KTVU first reported Mitchell's hire. A Fremont city spokesperson told the news publication that Mitchell brought "extensive experience and expertise in law enforcement to this role."

He will take over from Chief Sean Washington, who has served in an interim role at the Fremont Police Department since retiring in June 2025.

The announcement of a new chief comes just a few months after Mitchell resigned from serving as Oakland's Chief of Police — a role he held for less than two years.

It remains unclear why Mitchell resigned from Oakland's Police Department. However, speculation arose about whether it had anything to do with being hired during a controversial period for Oakland, according to KTVU.

Mitchell was hired by former Mayor Sheng Tao, who was ousted from office before Mayor Barbara Lee took over. A federal oversight of the department has gone on for more than 20 years could have also been a factor, according to KTVU.

"It has been an honor to serve the Oakland community, and I am grateful for the support I've received from the residents," Mitchell said when he resigned. "I'm incredibly proud of the men and women of this Department and the collaborative working relationships forged with the community and business owners to reduce crime."

Mitchell started his law enforcement career with the Missouri Police Department more than 25 years ago. Since then, he's served as chief for multiple police departments in Texas before arriving in Oakland in 2024, according to city officials.

Read more from KTVU.