Police Services

Chief Charles Gibson

Chief Gibson was born in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the oldest of six children. He graduated from high school in New Orleans. He joined the U.S. Navy where he was assigned to the USS Ranger. He served two terms in Vietnam and received the Vietnam Service Medal. Chief Gibson was a prolific basketball player and received recognition for participation on the United States Diplomatic basketball team.

Chief Gibson attended College of Alameda and transferred to Cal-State Hayward where he met his lovely wife and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He received his Masters degree from Cal-State East Bay in Public Administration. He holds an Executive certificate from the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Administration. He graduated from the 215th session of the prestigious FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Chief Gibson began his law enforcement career in 1975 as a Jailer at the Oakland Police Department. During his career as a police officer, he held the following positions: field training officer, traffic follow-up investigator, detective, supervising sergeant of the Youth Services Division where he supervised the juvenile intake unit, PAL, traffic safety and the DARE program. He was promoted to lieutenant February 1996 and served in the following positions: Community Policing Section Commander, Police Chief of the Oakland Unified School District, Patrol Watch Commander and Police Service Area Commander.

Chief Gibson is active in the following organizations: Toastmasters International where he is an Advanced Toastmaster Silver; Board of Directors of Project Reconnect (a non-profit that assists first time juvenile offenders); and former Vice President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive (NOBLE). He is a member of the following organizations: Contra Costa County Police Chiefs Association, California College and University Police Chiefs Association, the International Association of Law Enforcement Administration and the International Association of Chief of Police. He was also the Oakland Exchange Club Officer of the Year for 2004.