Piedmont City Council Appoints New Police Chief
The Piedmont City Council unanimously appointed Oakland Deputy Police Chief Frederick Shavies II as the city’s next police chief, marking a significant leadership transition. Shavies will succeed retiring Chief Jeremy Bowers, who has led the department for nine years and will retire on July
17. Shavies is set to assume his new role on July 22, with Piedmont Police Captain Chris Monahan serving as interim chief during the brief gap. This appointment reflects Piedmont’s desire to continue professional and community-focused policing under a leader with a strong background in strategic crime prevention and community engagement.
Shavies Praised for Leadership and Community Focus
City officials and community leaders widely regard Shavies as a highly skilled public safety professional. The city’s announcement highlighted his expertise in managing complex investigations, handling high-profile safety events, and implementing innovative community engagement strategies. Piedmont Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen emphasized Shavies’ “exceptional law enforcement experience” and his “strong commitment to equity and accountability.” She noted that his familiarity with the community and ability to build trust were key reasons he was deemed the right person to lead Piedmont’s police department into its next chapter.
Shavies Outlines Collaborative Policing Strategy
Shavies himself described his policing philosophy as rooted in collaboration, aiming to unite law enforcement officers, residents, and community partners to create safer neighborhoods. He expressed honor at being chosen and excitement about applying his experience in community safety and officer development to Piedmont. Shavies emphasized his intent to build on the department’s existing strengths and guide it through future challenges. His leadership approach aligns with modern policing trends that prioritize transparency, community trust, and proactive crime prevention.
Shavies’ Career and Credentials Highlighted
Frederick Shavies brings a strong local connection and extensive law enforcement experience to his new role. He grew up in Oakland, graduated from Fremont High School as an All-City football player, and played in the Rose Bowl at Washington State University. Joining the Oakland Police Department in 2006, Shavies rose through the ranks, commanding the homicide unit as a lieutenant and leading the Ceasefire Division as a captain. Since April 2024, he has served as deputy chief and currently commands the Bureau of Investigation. Notably, Shavies graduated from the FBI National Academy in September 2022, an elite program that trains law enforcement leaders nationally.
Chief Bowers’ Retirement Marks End of an Era
Jeremy Bowers’ retirement concludes a notable nine-year tenure as Piedmont’s police chief. Before joining Piedmont in 2014 as a captain, Bowers spent 18 years with the San Jose Police Department, advancing through multiple ranks. He became Piedmont’s chief in 2016 after former Chief Rikki Goede retired. Bowers’ leadership included implementing a public safety camera system and expanding license plate reader use, reflecting a focus on integrating technology into law enforcement. Upon announcing his retirement in March, Bowers expressed gratitude to the community for their support and collaborative spirit, underscoring a cooperative approach to public safety during his time.
Transition Period Between Chiefs
The period between Chief Bowers’ retirement and Shavies’ formal start as chief will be overseen by Captain Chris Monahan as interim chief. This brief leadership gap ensures continuity in department operations while allowing Shavies to transition smoothly into his new role. Managing leadership transitions carefully is critical for maintaining department stability and community confidence, especially in a city like Piedmont that prioritizes public safety and community relations.
Balancing Experience and Community Trust in Leadership
The appointment of Frederick Shavies reflects a balance between proven law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to community-oriented policing. Shavies’ background with Oakland PD, especially his leadership of the homicide unit and Ceasefire Division, provides operational expertise. Meanwhile, his collaborative philosophy and community ties align with Piedmont’s emphasis on building trust and accountability. This dual focus responds to ongoing debates in law enforcement about how best to combine effective crime prevention with maintaining public confidence in policing.
Conclusion Shaping Piedmont’s Policing Future
As Piedmont welcomes Frederick Shavies as its new police chief, the city embarks on a new chapter that blends experienced leadership with community partnership. The unanimous council vote and strong endorsements from city officials underscore confidence in Shavies’ capabilities. Meanwhile, the orderly transition and recognition of Chief Bowers’ legacy highlight Piedmont’s commitment to stability and progress in public safety. Monitoring how Shavies’ collaborative approach impacts crime rates and community relations will be key in assessing the long-term success of this leadership change.
bh6p3u