San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – July 12, 2023
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San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – July 12, 2023
The San Francisco Police Commission met on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 1:45 PM. The meeting began with a warning about maintaining orderly conduct, then proceeded through officer recognition, extensive public comment on the July 8 Dolores Park Hillbomb incident, the Chief’s Report, updates on juvenile diversion and disciplinary review, approval of revised departmental general orders, and closed session. Commissioners emphasized that the Dolores Park matter would be agendized for the next meeting and called for an internal affairs investigation.
Consent Calendar
- The Commission unanimously (5–0) received and filed the Police Commission report of disciplinary action for Q2 2023, SFPD’s SB 1421 and SB16 monthly report, and DPA’s SB 1421 and SB16 monthly report.
Public Comments & Testimony
General Public Comment (Item 2) – Dolores Park Hillbomb Incident
- Dozens of community members, parents, youth, educators, and advocates spoke for two minutes each, expressing outrage over the mass arrest of approximately 113 people (81 minors) during the unsanctioned Dolores Park Hillbomb event on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Speakers described police in riot gear, kettling, indiscriminate arrests, denial of bathroom breaks, zip‑tying of children, and prolonged detention without parental notification. Many called for an independent investigation, dropping of charges, defunding the police, and community‑led solutions. Several speakers demanded accountability from Chief Scott and the department, citing a pattern of excessive force against Black and Brown youth. Commissioner Benedicto noted the incident would be agendized for the next meeting.
- Additional public comments on other items (Chief’s Report, DPA Report, Consent Calendar, etc.) included criticism of arrest metrics, requests for youth‑friendly complaint procedures, and concerns about the city’s budget priorities.
Discussion Items
Chief’s Report (Item 5)
- Chief William Scott reported on crime trends: homicides up 8% (28 vs. 26 year‑to‑date), shooting victims up 12% (101 vs. 90), and total gun violence victims up 11% (120 vs. 108). Gun seizures decreased 13% (86 ghost guns vs. 99). Narcotics enforcement in the Tenderloin saw 3,519 gross grams of fentanyl seized in the past week and 72,036 grams year‑to‑date – a 200% increase – with 463 arrests for drug dealing. Chief Scott stated that despite increased enforcement, a visible difference on the streets remains the ultimate measure. He also reported two homicides and two non‑fatal shootings during the reporting period, and a significant narcotics bust on June 28.
- Commissioners asked about foot patrols, overtime staffing, the LEAD program, and treatment referrals. Chief Scott noted that none of the more than 100 arrested drug sellers had accepted treatment. Commissioner Walker stressed the need for alternative infrastructure and case management.
DPA Director’s Report (Item 6)
- Chief of Staff Sarah Hawkins reported a 36‑case increase in DPA cases from last year (390 vs. 354) and 57 more pending cases. Only 19 cases are past the 270‑day marker. Four investigators have left, raising resource concerns for the upcoming Dolores Park investigation. The full misconduct audit draft has been sent to the Controller’s Office.
Commission Reports (Item 7)
- Commissioner Benedicto updated on the body‑worn camera working group and the principal policy analyst search. Commissioner Yanez reported progress on the investigative social media DGO and the juvenile diversion program. Commissioner Yi described a visit to a safe injection site in New York and suggested exploring similar options.
Juvenile Diversion Program Update (Item 8)
- Kara Lacy presented an update on moving from a post‑arrest to a pre‑arrest diversion model for youth. An internal working group has consulted with LAPD and Oakland. Meetings with CARC, the DA’s office, and other partners are ongoing. The revised DGO 7.01 is near completion. Commissioners emphasized the need for adequate case management and wraparound services.
Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) Findings – Q4 2022 (Item 9)
- The DRB identified trends: theft of department‑issued firearms, failure to thoroughly investigate, failure to activate body‑worn cameras, prolonged holding cell detentions, and issues with language access equipment. Seven recommendations were made, including updating property processing, auditing LEP equipment, and improving training. Chief Scott raised questions about defining “trends” and ensuring equity in discipline.
Quarterly Activity and Data Report – Q4 2022 / Q1 2023 (Item 10)
- Jason Cunningham presented the Racial Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA) 2023 annual report and a sneak peek of the SFPD’s first quarter 2023 data. Key findings: perceived Black individuals account for 24.7% of SFPD stops (vs. 15% statewide). Search rates and discovery rates vary by race, but SFPD’s 2021 use‑of‑force disparities were not statistically significant. Since 2016, per‑capita disparities in stops and force for Black and Hispanic/Latinx individuals have declined but persist. Arrests per capita for Black individuals have also declined. The report noted a decrease in total stops since 2019.
Revised DGO 7.03 – Megan’s Law (Item 11)
- Deputy Chief Vaswani and Captain Perdomo presented a revised departmental general order on dissemination of registered sex offender information. The DGO adopts California Penal Code sections 290 and 290.45, clarifies hierarchy for disclosure, and incorporates DPA recommendations. Unanimously approved for meet‑and‑confer.
Revised DGO 11.13 – Behavioral Science Unit Referrals (Item 12)
- The DGO on directed and recommended referrals to the SFPD Behavioral Science Unit was adopted unanimously (5–0). Commissioner Benedicto thanked the bargaining units for expeditious negotiation.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar and Minutes approved 5–0.
- DGO 7.03 approved unanimously for meet‑and‑confer.
- DGO 11.13 adopted unanimously.
- Closed Session (Item 15) voted to enter closed session and subsequently voted not to disclose any items discussed.
- Dolores Park Incident: Commissioners announced the matter will be agendized for the July 19, 2023 meeting. Commissioner Yanez called for an internal affairs investigation and encouraged community members to file complaints with DPA. Chief Scott stated he would present a detailed report including body‑worn camera footage at the next meeting.
- The DPA director noted resource constraints for the investigation but affirmed commitment to thorough review.
- The Juvenile Diversion Program will continue to be developed with partner agencies; the DGO 7.01 revision will be posted for public comment soon.
Meeting Transcript
Pledge allegiance to the United States of the mayor. Commissioner, I'll call roll. Thank you very much there. Commissioner Walker. Present. Commissioner Benedicto. Present. Commissioner Yañez. Present. Commissioner Byrne. Here. Commissioner Yi. Here. Vice President Carter Oberstone and President Elias are excused for the night. Okay. Thank you very much. Let's go to item number one. Excuse me, Commissioner. One item to take care of prior. This commission has important work tonight to complete tonight, and they are prepared to use all of their options under the law to accomplish this task. We recognize and will protect the right of every person to voice their opinion during their turn to make public comment, no matter how hostile or critical the comments may be. But we cannot tolerate individuals making noise, speaking out of turn, or otherwise refusing to comply with rules governing the orderly conduct of the meeting. Speaking out of turn, making noise or other conduct actually disrupts the ability of the police commission to do its business. Tonight, the commission will order the removal of the individuals engaging in disruptive behavior. Depending on the circumstances before taking the step, the commission will warn the offending individuals and afford them the opportunity to correct their behavior. If there is a general disruption, such as the removal of the willful disruptors will not restore order, the commission will order the room cleared and then continue with the meeting. The commission will allow representatives news media not involved in the disruption to remain in the meeting. Persons removed from the meeting may watch it in the overflow room, but only if they do not interfere with the ability of others in the overflow room to watch the meeting. The commission is asking the public's cooperation and ensuring the meetings run as smoothly as possible. The commission wants to hear from every member of the public that can that can only occur if we are able to maintain an orderly meeting. Thank you. Line item one weekly officer recognition certificate. Presentation of an officer who has gone above and beyond in the performance of their duties. Officer Ryan Gonzalez, star number 592 from Tenderloin Station. Good afternoon, members of the police commission. Chief of Staff, Ms. Hawkins from uh DPA, uh Chief Scott, SFPD, and uh members of the community. I'm uh Lieutenant John Casper assigned to Tenderloin Station, and I'm here to uh introduce Officer uh Ryan Gonzalez from Tenderloin Station. Umffictor Ryan Gonzalez is a veteran officer who is assigned to the tenderloin station midnight watch. Officer Gonzalez Gonzalez is well regarded by his peers and supervisors alike. He not only works as a patrol officer but frequently works with the tenderloin station plane clothes team and is committed to addressing the neighborhood crime problems the residents in the tenderloin face. Officer Gonzalez is also a field training officer entrusted by the San Francisco Police Department to ensure that the new officers are trained up to the standards and expectations set forth by our department. Officer Gonzalez has made numerous arrests when faced with in-progress crimes as well as reported crimes. Officer Gonzalez exemplifies the department's values of vigorous enforcement as a deterrent to crime. And amid the department's staffing crisis, Officer Gonzalez has routinely volunteered to remain on duty past his shift and come in on his days off to help respond to calls for service in order to serve the tenderline community. Officer Gonzalez serves his community with integrity, respect, and professionalism, and deserves recognition as a valued member of the tenderline police station and the San Francisco Police Department. Thank you. Officer Gonzalez, Officer Ryan Gonzalez, star number 592, Tenderline Station, the officer of the week, in recognition of your dedication and professionalism demonstrated through outstanding community policing practices and inspiring greatness by exemplifying the ideals of police officers as guardians of our community. Such an example of dedication is worthy of the highest esteem by the city and county of San Francisco and the San Francisco Police Department. Presented to you on the 12th of July 2023 from Chief William Scott.
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