Lee announced the decision Thursday, saying the appointment will bring stability to Oakland's police department after years of leadership turnover.
"Public safety and justice are strongest when they advance together," Lee said in a statement. "Oakland deserves stability. James Beere embraces meaningful civilian oversight and constitutional policing, values collaboration with our neighborhoods, businesses and faith leaders, and is fully prepared to lead on day one."
Oakland Interim Police Chief James Beere appointed to permanently lead OPD
Lee also thanked the police commission, city staff, community stakeholders and residents who participated in the selection process, as well as the other candidates who applied for the position.
Beere, a nearly 30-year veteran of the department, was introduced Thursday alongside city leaders who praised his experience and familiarity with Oakland. He has served since 1997 and steps into a position that has seen frequent leadership changes over the years.
"I've actually had 19 different police chiefs in my 29-year career. So, what makes me different? I'm still here. And I live in Oakland," Beere said to a room of applause.
His nearly three decades with the department include roles as interim police chief, assistant chief, deputy chief of the Bureau of Field Operations and commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.
Lee said Beere's knowledge of both policing and the city made him the right choice for the position.
"I was looking for someone who understands policing and who understands Oakland," Lee said.
Beere served as interim chief after Floyd Mitchell departed in October. He takes over permanently as the department continues to report a historic drop in crime while also working to maintain reforms implemented during more than two decades of federal oversight.
MORE: Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announces he's stepping down
A Marine Corps combat veteran, Beere has received several departmental honors, including the Blue Star Medal, Medal of Merit and the Chief's Excellence in Leadership Award. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Golden Gate University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
The nationwide search process included community engagement efforts focused on priorities such as constitutional policing, civilian oversight, officer recruitment and retention, community trust, reducing violent crime and improving response times.
Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins said Beere enjoys broad support across the city.
"It's crazy. Not a lot of people agree on many things in Oakland. But we all agree on Beere," Jenkins said with a play on words referencing the alcoholic beverage.
During his tenure as interim chief, Beere has addressed issues, including overtime spending and department management. He also has the support of the Oakland police union.
"I think the men and women see a chief who has been here for 30 years, (has) done the job. And they will feel that this is the person who can lead them, because (he) understands what they do out there every day," said Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers' Association.
Beere could also oversee the department's anticipated exit from more than 20 years of federal oversight later this year. Civil Rights Attorney John Burris, who has been involved in the court-ordered reform process, said maintaining compliance will remain critical.
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"Crisis can take you under. And you know, basically, OPD has had a history of when crisis develops, they resort to protecting their friends," Burris said. "I am hopeful that will not be the case with him. Everything that we have seen so far is that he understands the rules. He wants everyone to follow them. He wants to hold officers accountable. And I think he will hold himself accountable."
Beere also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the department, which remains under federal oversight. Among his top priorities, he said, will be ensuring constitutional policing and continuing efforts to build public trust.
"The real goal is that we make sure to continue constitutional policing and based on our main strategy of ceasefire, again, working with our community, giving them a voice, listening to our kids, and learning from the mistakes that we do make to make sure the pd is the best pd and an example for all other agencies in the country to follow," Beere said.
Support for Beere has also come from business leaders.
"Public safety is about justice, but also about economic justice as well. How are we going to bring Oakland back with a vision for, not only safer and cleaner streets, but economic vibrancy as well," said Jennifer Tran, president of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the praise, some are more critical of the new appointment.
Cat Brooks, executive director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, questioned whether Beere's long tenure at the department is a strength.
"The only thing that I can really say about James Beere is that he is a veteran of the department, which means that he was there through corruption and scandal and murders. And I don't know of him being a whistleblower," Brooks said.
In a sit-down interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News in March, Beere previously addressed everything from staffing shortages to public trust and how both affect daily life in Oakland.
RELATED: One-on-one interview with interim Oakland police chief as he vies to become permanent head
In his previous interview with ABC7, Beere said in addition to taking steps to reestablish trust with the community, he's also continuing to try to stop crime. It's a goal, he says, that will be achieved by also acknowledging mistakes OPD has made in the past.
Beere emphasized that he lives in Oakland and understands the city's culture and diversity.
He is expected to be formally introduced at the July 17 City Council meeting. A date for his swearing-in ceremony has not yet been announced.