San Francisco Police Commission Meeting Summary – September 21, 2022

The San Francisco Police Commission convened on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 1:45 PM UTC for a regular meeting. The agenda covered the Chief’s Report, DPA Director’s Report, commission reports, presentations on policy development (Sparks Report), a new DPA case management system, DPA’s mediation program, and DPA’s Law & Justice Reform Internship, followed by a closed session. Commissioners present: President Elias, Vice President Carter Overstone, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Benedicto, Commissioner Yanez, and Commissioner Yi (arrived late). Commissioner Byrne was excused. Acting Chief David Lazar filled in for Chief Scott, and DPA Director Paul Henderson initially had tech issues but later joined.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved the consent calendar (5-0), receiving and filing SFPD SB 1421 and SB16 monthly reports (July–August 2022) and DPA SB 1421 and SB16 monthly reports (August–September 2022).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: Susan Buffman, volunteering with Welcome Disparities in the Black Community, read a statement from founder Felicia Jones expressing frustration over perceived anti-Blackness in SFPD’s use of force, arrests, racial profiling, and traffic stops. She criticized the working group process for the pretext traffic stops policy and urged commissioners to take responsibility.
• Public Comment (General): David Calderon raised ongoing complaints about the mishandling of his mother’s homicide case (Carmelita Holbrook), stating DPA Director Henderson had failed to contact him as instructed in July. He also alleged investigator misconduct and requested direct assistance.
• Public Comment (General): A speaker identified as Ms. Brown thanked the police commission and DA Brooke Jenkins for supporting a headstone for her son Aubrey Aberkassa, murdered in 2006, and said she was awaiting the headstone’s installation.
• Public Comment (Chief’s Report): None.
• Public Comment (DPA Director’s Report): David Calderon again appealed for help with his mother’s case, claiming conflicting information from DPA and SFPD.
• Public Comment (Commission Reports): A caller discussed traffic enforcement, saying the article about low ticket numbers was not fully wrong, and urged police to focus on pedestrian safety issues like cars encroaching on crosswalks.
• Public Comment (Case Management System): Francisco De Costa asked how the new system would track cases that are resurrected after long delays, citing his experience with officer complaints.
• Public Comment (Mediation Program): A caller praised the restorative justice model but criticized SFPD’s rigid policies and the handling of POPS recommendations.
• Public Comment (Internship Presentation): None.

Discussion Items

• Chief’s Report: Acting Chief Lazar reported a 7% increase in violent crime (3,784 vs. 3,553) and an 8% increase in property crime (30,453 vs. 33,000). He highlighted weekly declines in burglaries (down 22%, about 1,000 fewer) and arson (down 13%), but noted increases in larceny (up 18%), auto burglaries (up 12%), motor vehicle theft (up 4%), rapes (up 9%), robberies (up 4%), and assaults (up 10%). There were 38 homicides, 131 shooting incidents, and 151 shooting victims. Officers recovered 758 firearms (up 4% from 2021) and 129 ghost guns. He detailed a Tenderloin microgrant (from the U.S. DOJ COPS Office) that funded increased foot patrols, community outreach, and youth partnerships, resulting in 466 engagements, 59 arrests, 325 citations, and 82 admonishments. Daily joint field operations meetings with city and community partners are underway. He also recognized Officer of the Month awards and upcoming events (Dream Force, Fleet Week, Coffee with a Cop).
• Chief’s Report – Commissioner Q&A: President Elias asked whether burglary reduction strategies could be applied to violent crime; Acting Chief Lazar said similar tactics are used (focused enforcement, community engagement, life coaches). Regarding surveillance technology (19B), Lazar stated the Board of Supervisors approved it on first reading, with a second reading expected in a week; the department will develop policies and training before deploying temporary live monitoring. President Elias said she would agenda the item for the first meeting in October. Vice President Carter Overstone asked about DGO 3.01 not being posted; Lazar committed to following up. Commissioner Benedicto asked about the Tenderloin grant; Lazar confirmed the grantor and said an after-action report is expected when the grant ends in November. Commissioner Yi praised airport officers for handling a rally well. Commissioner Yanez asked about engagement with DPH for substance users; Lazar described referrals and ongoing coordination, acknowledging HIPAA challenges. Commissioner Walker raised the need for other agencies to participate in treatment on demand.
• DPA Director’s Report: Director Henderson reported year-to-date statistics: 488 cases opened, 522 closed, 244 active, 48 sustained (vs. 37 last year), 16 mediated, 24 cases over nine months, and 79 cases pending with the Chief’s office. He shared monthly data for June, July, and August: the most common allegations were officers speaking/behaving inappropriately (34%–40%) and failing to take required action (25%–38%). He attended the NACOL conference and highlighted ongoing outreach. He also explained that witnesses can file self-reported complaints anonymously, and DPA conducts independent investigations.
• Commission Reports: President Elias announced that the surveillance item and the department’s presentation on DPA numbers would be agendized for the first October meeting. She also noted that DGOs would be assigned to commissioners to expedite revisions. Vice President Carter Overstone reported attending a town hall on DGO 9.01. Commissioner Yanez raised concerns about low traffic enforcement numbers from an article; Acting Chief Lazar corrected that there are only 23 motorcycle officers (not 45) and that enforcement has increased since the article.
• Sparks Report (SFPD/DPA General Orders Status): Catherine McGuire (SFPD) presented the Q2 2022 status update on DGO development, noting progress on DGOs 2.01, 8.01, and 11.08. She acknowledged delays in publishing DGO 3.01 but committed to publishing it by September 28, 2022. Janelle Kaywood (DPA) reported on policy work, including collaboration on a disengagement policy. Sergeant Donald Anderson explained the disengagement policy concept (a tactical decision to delay contact, based on POST definitions and state law 835A). DPA made 28 recommendations; the policy passed concurrence in Q3 and is expected to be presented to the Commission in Q4. Commissioner concerns: Vice President Carter Overstone stressed that the department cannot unilaterally extend implementation dates after a DGO is passed. Commissioner Benedicto asked about body-worn camera policy expiration and requested more detail in future Sparks reports.
• DPA Case Management System: Nicole Armstrong and consultants from ZS Associates presented a new complainant portal, developed pro bono through the Mayor’s Civic Bridge program. The portal allows complainants to track case status using a case number and PIN, upload documents, and receive real-time updates. It is live now and integrated with DPA’s Salesforce system at zero additional cost. Director Henderson suggested the system could potentially be adapted for SFPD or the Commission. Commissioners praised the tool’s transparency and user-friendliness.
• DPA Mediation Program: Ally Schulteis, Director of Mediations, explained the program as a voluntary alternative to investigation, facilitating dialogue between complainants and officers. The program uses approximately 40 pro bono co-mediators, covers allegations like rudeness or neglect of duty, and excludes cases like use of force. Mediation closures are confidential and no discipline is recommended. Exit surveys show high satisfaction. Trends include increased mediations with station representatives and cases from the Tenderloin and Traffic Company. Goals include increasing case numbers and visibility.
• DPA Law & Justice Reform Internship: DPA staff presented the summer 2022 internship program, which includes professional development, speaker series, and community engagement. A highlight was the interns’ policy recommendation on foot pursuits, citing that foot pursuits increase the likelihood of police using force by 345%, and recommending SFPD establish a foot pursuit policy, collect data, and prohibit pursuits based solely on flight. Director Henderson praised the interns’ evidence-based work.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar adopted unanimously (5-0).
• DGO 3.01 to be published and posted to Power DMS by September 28, 2022; a confirmation letter will be sent to the Commission.
• Surveillance technology item agendized for the first Commission meeting in October 2022.
• The department will provide a presentation on Chief’s hearing cases at the first October 2022 meeting.
• Acting Chief Lazar clarified traffic officer staffing (23 motorcycle officers) and committed to continued enforcement.
• Disengagement policy passed concurrence and will be presented to the Commission in Q4 2022.
• DPA’s case management portal is live and self-sufficient.
• Interns’ foot pursuit recommendations were acknowledged and will be considered.
• Motion to hold closed session passed (4-0, with Commissioner Walker absent); motion to disclose closed session discussion failed, and the Commission voted not to disclose (4-0).
• Meeting adjourned.