|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Fremont Appoints Floyd Mitchell as Next Police Chief
Chief Mitchell Brings Extensive Law Enforcement Experience to Fremont
FREMONT, Calif. – March 3, 2026 – Today, the City of Fremont formally announced that following a nationwide executive search, City Manager Karena Shackelford has appointed Floyd Mitchell as the City’s next Police Chief and that his employment with the City will begin on Monday, March 9, 2026.
“Floyd Mitchell brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to Fremont and a well earned reputation for steady, thoughtful leadership,” said City Manager Karena Shackelford. “Having strong experience as police chief in prior agencies, he has demonstrated time and again his integrity, accountability, and fairness. His collaborative spirit embodies exactly the kind of executive management our community expects and deserves.”
Chief Mitchell has a long-standing record of professional development and has held several leadership roles in law enforcement. Chief Mitchell began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, where he served for 25 years. While serving the community of Kansas City he rose through the ranks and held several vital positions, including Internal Affairs Investigator, Public Information Officer (Sgt.), Tactical Response Team Commander (Capt.), Homicide Unit Commander (Capt.), ultimately reaching the rank of Major.
After leaving Kansas City, he served as Police Chief for the City of Temple, Texas, before being appointed as Police Chief of the Lubbock, Texas Police Department in 2019, a role he held until 2023. Most recently, Chief Mitchell served as Chief of Police for the City of Oakland (CA). While serving as Oakland’s Chief, the City experienced decreases in almost all crime categories, including a 31% reduction in homicides and more than a 10% reduction in property crimes. Reflecting the trust in executive judgement, Chief Mitchell has also served as Oakland’s Acting City Administrator during the City Administrator’s travel schedule.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed as Fremont’s next Police Chief. Throughout my public safety career, I have prioritized an evidence-based, data-driven policing approach, complemented by thoughtful community engagement and the implementation of leading best practices. This philosophy aligns with the Fremont Police Department’s esteemed reputation as a model agency nationally," expressed Chief Floyd Mitchell. "I have met with Chief Sean Washington and look forward to working with the dedicated members of the Fremont Police Department to ensure a smooth transition. The safety and security of the Fremont community is my highest priority, and I am excited to embark on becoming an integral part of this diverse and vibrant city.”
Chief Mitchell succeeds Sean Washington, who retired in August 2025 and has been serving as Fremont’s Interim Police Chief since that time. Following a 28-year career with the Fremont Police Department, Chief Washington’s last day will be today. Deputy Police Chief Lance Brede will serve as Interim Chief from March 4-8, 2026.
The Fremont Police Department will hold a community swearing-in ceremony for Chief Mitchell in spring.
For information about opportunities with the Fremont Police Department, please visit: https://jobs.fremontpolice.gov.
###
CONTACT :
Geneva Bosques
Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs
City of Fremont
510-284-4094
gbosques@fremont.gov
|
