Community
Chief Armstrong Apologizes for OPD Lies and Abuse
Armstrong, unlike Schaaf and previous OPD chiefs, said “I apologize to the community.”
Oakland Police Department Chief LeRonne Armstrong apologized for the misinformation OPD issued concerning mistreatment and tear-gassing of young protesters over the murder of George Floyd a year ago.
Even though OPD’s action occurred prior to his appointment as chief, Armstrong apologized for what took place under Mayor Libby Schaaf’s leadership. Historically, OPD has been involved in internal sex scandals from its officers.
Armstrong, unlike Schaaf and previous OPD chiefs, said “I apologize to the community.” He also said more than 33 citations were issued over the misuse of tear gas and for the false reports of Molotov cocktails being thrown at police.
Armstrong said he would do a thorough investigation on how OPD uses force, and, in previous interviews with the Post, he pledged to be transparent by revealing and reporting on body camera footage in a timely manner to maintain community confidence in policing.
Several restorative justice advocates told the Post that they will ask Armstrong to request that Schaaf join him in future meetings to apologize for delaying body camera footage of the killing of a driver in the Lakeshore area.
Armstrong said, “It’s about getting it right” if the city is going to be able to build a cooperative relationship with its residents.
