Oakley introduces Lieutenant Kevin Morris to lead investigations unit

Chief Beard introduced Lieutenant Kevin Morris during the Jan. 6 Oakley City Council meeting, describing an internal promotion process and Morris's law enforcement background.

Chief Beard said the department ran a competitive promotional process that yielded two internal finalists and that Morris has 18 years of experience across detention, patrol, investigations and administrative roles. He told the council Morris is a former SWAT member, field training coordinator and POA president, a certified instructor in firearms, defensive tactics and taser, and a graduate of the Charbon Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

Chief Beard recounted that Morris helped manage a recent critical incident in which a deputy sheriff was shot at; the deputy was not injured. According to the chief, Morris arrived promptly from leave and took a leadership role in the investigation. Chief Beard quoted Morris as saying he plans "to grow the department in a positive direction through mentorship and community engagement." The chief said this promotion was planned in prior budget retreats and staffing discussions to ensure continuity as personnel retire.

Council members congratulated Morris at the meeting. Council Member Fuller praised the department’s work; Council Member Williams and Council Member Shaw also offered congratulations and said they had heard positive reports about Morris internally and externally. Vice Mayor Meadows called the swearing-in ceremony "nice" and thanked the chief for the presentation.

Chief Beard did not present the new lieutenant for formal questions at the meeting but took public acknowledgment from council members. The city said the promotion results from an internal process and that the department will continue to emphasize mentorship and investigations capacity.