About Interim Chief of Police Sean Whent
Interim Chief Sean Whent is a 17-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department. He has most recently served as Deputy Chief and commander of the Bureau of Risk Management with responsibility for overseeing the Training Section, Internal Affairs Division, Office of Inspector General, the Criminalistics Division and the Personnel Assessment Unit.
Prior to becoming Deputy Chief, Whent served as commander of the Office of Inspector General, which is responsible for conducting audits of Department functions primarily related to compliance with the Negotiated Settlement. During his career he has served in various capacities in Internal Affairs and the Criminal Investigation Division. He has also served as an instructor in the police academy, a Patrol Supervisor, and Watch Commander.
Interim Chief Whent has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Cal State East Bay, and he is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California at Irvine.
“Although my appointment is interim, I pledge to own the role and assignment as if it were not...both for the men and women of the Police Department whom I now lead, and for the Oakland community whose safety is my personal responsibility,” says Interim Chief Whent. “I have been part of the team that has worked with national experts in the fields of crime reduction and enforcement strategies to develop a hot-off-the press plan for tackling robberies, burglaries, and shootings. I am confident that we can implement the recommendations in that plan in short order. Together, this executive leadership team is excited to play an important role in moving the Police Department forward and enhancing the safety of this community.”
