Transition Complete: Oakley Official Has Its Own Police Force

As of today, the City of Oakley now has its own police department after breaking away from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

At midnight, Oakley now has a police force of 29-officers who will be patrolling the streets after more than a year in the making since the June 2015 decision by the Oakley City Council to move away from the Sheriff’s Office. The decision was made in an effort to save money and provide more service to the residents of Oakley.

Police Chief Chris Thorsen said Thursday that he would be with his officers at midnight to shake their hands, wish them well and then its business as usual. He called it an exciting time for Oakley.

“This is a pretty big opportunity in the city’s history next to incorporation, this is the second biggest decision that the policy makers and planners have made for the city so it’s an exciting time. To bring the police department in-house is an exciting time for the city and in some degree it’s a coming of age,” explained Thorsen.

He was quick to point out that this was not a quick decision and it took a lot of fact finding to see if the idea was even viable. He says the decision was not a result of the service provided by the Sheriff’s Office, but had to do with the finances.

Since its Incorporation, the City of Oakley has formally contracted with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for police services. At that time there were 17 sworn personnel at a cost of approximately $2.5 million. As of April 2015, there were 28 sworn personnel costing about $8.2 million.

With the transition now complete, Thorsen says his goal is to ensure a smooth transition and hopes residents notice much change between a contract police department and Oakley having it’s own department.

“The sheriff’s office has done a great job. My first hope is that we continue to provide the quality of service that has been provided by the Sheriff’s Department,” says Thorsen “From that standpoint, that is why I say I hope the community does not notice much change and notice any sort of drop-off in service provided. We would like to see an improvement and continue to deliver police services in our community.”

He notes residents will see many of the same officers and police cars they have become accustomed to seeing, however, they did increase staffing in the investigations unit to help with workload.

“We want to improve. Our mission is to be better than yesterday,” explained Thorsen. “Tomorrow our mission is to be better than today. But we are starting from a very good place to deliver services.”

Thorsen says that good police work begins with the officers and it’s people. He believes Oakley has a good team that fits the community to help establish not only a department culture, but to help move Oakley forward.

“It all starts with the people; they are the most valuable resource. Their ability to go deliver competent valuable services into the community is really what it’s all about,” says Thorsen. “It’s the guys at 3:00 am and around the clock delivering the services. Their skill and professionalism is what most people see. Their level of professionalism is more valuable to the community than mine because that is what the community sees each day in the field.”

Oakley Police accept invite to birthday party (July 21)

According to Thorsen, since many officers either live in Oakley or in surrounding community, officers are vested here and have an interest in public safety and outreach.

“Police have always been vested in this community because many live here,” says Thorsen. “There is a heightened desire on my part and the administrations part and city’s part to ensure we remain engaged in the community that we are at community events and part of them. It’s certainly a goal we have. It’s always going to be a continued effort to stay involved in the community.”

For Thorsen, he is excited to return to Oakley after previously serving five years with the department.

“When I came to Oakley the first time, I was here for five and a half years, it was the most rewarding part of my professional life, I loved it. I loved the community the co-workers, I loved what we were trying to accomplish as a team, not as just a police department, but as City of Oakley as a whole,” explained Thorsen. “I think Oakley is going in a really good direction and really trying to improve the quality of life for its residents. That is pretty cool to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I am excited to be back and that team spirit has not changed.”

He says Oakley will continue to do everything they can to make Oakley better for people to live, work and play here.

“I am thrilled to be a part of it,” says Thorsen. “My dad told me to find a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life. I have a job I love and I have a passion for this place. I am blessed to be here.”

He further highlighted that the City of Oakley as a whole has a sense of community that is pretty remarkable and he is glad to be back.

“My hope is that the community will see improvement and we deliver the most effective municipal law enforcement services possible and in the most cost effective way which is part of our drive and spirit,” says Thorsen.

Ceremonial Swearing-In

There will be a ceremonial swearing in of the new Police Department on May 10th at 6:00 p.m.  The ceremony will take place prior to the regular meeting of the Oakley City Council at City Hall (3231 Main St).  Members of the public, family and friends are invited to attend this historic event.