OPD Deputy Chief David Downing now acting assistant chief

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 News has learned that Oakland Police Department's Deputy Chief David Downing has been named acting assistant chief by Mayor Libby Schaff.

Oakland city officials were allegedly informed that the appointment of the city administrator over the Oakland Police Department may have been in violation of state laws. However, late Monday night state officials acknowledged that state law does not require Mayor Schaaf to appoint an acting police chief.

Even City Councilman Noel Gallo is having a hard time keeping track of the rapidly changing chiefs and their titles.

"We just added to the confusion and certainly I'm not happy," he said.

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Downing, who has been with the department for more than 20 years.

After Chief Sean Whent resigned June 9 in the wake of the growing sex misconduct scandal, Mayor Schaaf appointed BART Deputy Chief Ben Fairow as interim chief. But he resigned after Mayor Schaaf said she obtained information that questioned his ability to assume the post.

Then Schaaf appointed Deputy Chief Paul Figueroa as acting chief, but he too resigned two days later for reasons which are still unclear.

Last Friday the mayor announced the department would be placed under civilian oversight. She appointed city administrator Sabrina Landreth as head.

RELATED: New OPD acting chief promises to restore trust amid sex scandal

Downing is in charge of OPD operations.

But there may be another change in chiefs soon. Downing is expected to retire in six months.

Meanwhile, Oakland residents and city leaders are reeling from a growing sex scandal in the Oakland police department. At least 14 officers may have had an inappropriate relationship with a teenager who goes by the name Celeste Guap.

RELATED: Mayor Schaaf says police misconduct allegations are 'very disturbing'

More are implicated in other nearby departments. Then another scandal involving a homicide Sgt., who could face charges according to the East Bay Express for allowing his mistress to help write police reports. A clearly disgusted Oakland mayor issued an ultimatum Friday.

"To root out what is clearly a toxic, macho culture," Schaaf said.

RELATED: Several Bay Area officers under investigation for possible involvement in sex scandal

Not only will Oakland have to possibly recruit a new chief, but they will have to look long and hard at how they're recruiting police officers.