The Brief City leaders and community members gathered at Oakland City Hall on Wednesday to officially swear in James Beere as Oakland's permanent police chief. Beere joined the Oakland Police Department in 1997 and has served with the agency for nearly 30 years. City leaders and community members gathered at Oakland City Hall on Wednesday to swear in James Beere as Oakland's permanent police chief. Swearing-in ceremonyWhat we know:James Beere waves a hand before he is sworn in as Oakland's new police chief. Riders scandal, oversightThe backstory:Oakland Police Chief James Beere is sworn in at City Hall.