Controversial Oakland Commissioner Advocating Police Defunding Secures Promotion Amid Vote Discrepancy

An outspoken critic of law enforcement, serving on Oakland’s independent police oversight commission, finds himself embroiled in a political controversy after being promoted in a manner some say breaches legal protocols.

On March 26, the Oakland Police Commission voted to elevate Omar Farmer from an alternate to a full member. This decision, however, was not listed on a publicly accessible agenda, prompting a formal legal challenge that argues it violates California’s open-meeting law.

The commission is set to revisit this decision on Thursday, following a formal complaint by Dr. Rajni Mandal, an Oakland physician. Mandal has called for a correction under the Brown Act, which outlines California’s public meeting requirements.

The Oakland Report was the first outlet to highlight the procedural misstep regarding the vote.

Farmer’s inclusion on the commission has previously been rejected twice by the Oakland City Council, despite the commission’s members being appointed volunteers.

“The Police Commission needs individuals who prioritize public safety and the interests of all Oakland residents,” Mandal stated. “Moreover, we require leaders who can guide without bias and political sway.”

Farmer has aligned with the Anti Police-Terror Project, which has called for defunding the police and investing in community-based alternatives. That stance has made him a target of critics who argue the commission is out of step with residents demanding more police presence.

A recent survey found that 92.1% of Oakland’s black respondents identified crime and public safety as a concern — the highest level recorded for any issue among any demographic group surveyed. 

Councilmember Ken Houston called the third attempt to keep Farmer on the commission “disrespectful” and akin to an abusive relationship, where city officials and woke public safety advocates keep butting heads despite Farmer twice being rejected.

“I represent the most underserved community that exists in Oakland, and it’s been like that for decades,” Houston said. “My constituents are scared and they want policing.”

He added, “My daughter can’t even walk to the store in her own neighborhood. We want protection just like everybody else.”

Councilmember Kevin Jenkins also expressed concerns about the process.

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“These are serious issues. Oakland residents deserve confidence that all appointments, especially those tied to public safety oversight, follow the law and are conducted openly and appropriately,” Jenkins said in a statement to The Post, adding that he contacted City Attorney Ryan Richardson to review the situation.

“This is about maintaining trust in our institutions. I will continue to monitor this closely and ensure accountability moving forward.“

The City Council confirms four regular commissioners and one alternate, while the mayor appoints three regular commissioners and one alternate.

Mayor Barbara Lee did not respond to a request for comment on Farmer’s appointment, nor did the City Attorney’s Office.

In a letter to city officials last fall, Mandal laid out a detailed list of allegations against Farmer, arguing his conduct has repeatedly exceeded the commission’s authority. Oakland last rejected Farmer’s appointment in October 2025 after a shallow search was conducted for worthy applications.

Mandal claimed Farmer has “repeatedly overstepped his authority” as defined in the City Charter, improperly intervened in labor negotiations with the city’s police union, and attempted to break public meeting laws by pushing for votes on items that were not properly placed on the agenda.

Mandal also raised concerns about Farmer having a personal complaint against the Oakland Police Department while participating in oversight discussions involving the agency.

“Commissioner Farmer’s record of overreach, staff interference, Brown Act violations, and unauthorized communications makes him unfit for reappointment,” Mandal wrote.

Farmer declined The Post’s request for comment when contacted.