18 new Oakland police officers formally took the oath Friday, to protect and serve as the city works to increase their police force and curb crime.
“We are changing the way in what progressive policing looks like,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
The diverse class of cadets includes two women and multiple bilingual officers. Increasing diversity is a point of pride for many of Oakland’s newest hires.
The new officers arrive as law enforcement nationwide is under scrutiny in wake of the beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police.
“The purpose of why I wanted to do this was so young females can see someone like me do