San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - February 14, 2024
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San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - February 14, 2024
The San Francisco Police Commission met on February 14, 2024, at 1:45 PM. The meeting included recognition of a Night Investigations Unit sergeant, discussion of crime trends and police policies, updates on Department General Orders (DGOs), and votes to adopt three DGOs.
Consent Calendar
- Received and filed: $5,000 donation to SFPD's Wilderness Program from the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Safe Streets for All 2023 Fourth Quarter report, Family Code 6228 Fourth Quarter 2023 report, and DGO 5.15 annual report regarding enforcement of immigration laws.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Multiple speakers opposed the commission's proposed policy to limit pretextual traffic stops, arguing it exceeds the commission's authority and conflicts with California state law (which had declined similar legislation). One speaker cited a mother who lost her son, suggesting such stops could prevent tragedies.
- A mother whose son was murdered in 2006 pleaded for the commission to agendize methods to pay tipsters for information, noting that current rules bar criminals from receiving rewards despite their potential to solve cases.
- Another speaker urged the commission to find ways to pay tipsters regardless of criminal history.
Discussion Items
- Weekly Officer Recognition: Sergeant Anthony Serke (Night Investigations Unit) was recognized for his investigative work, including a shooting case where he reviewed over 300 video items and coordinated an operation leading to an arrest. Commissioners praised his dedication and family support.
- Chief's Report: Chief Scott reported a 34% decrease in overall part-one crime (13% reduction in violent crime, 36% in property crime), 40% fewer homicides (3 this year vs. 5 last year), and 93 gun recoveries with no ghost guns year-to-date. He detailed two non-fatal shootings, a federal indictment for a bicycle theft ring, two blessing scams targeting elderly Asian victims, an arson of a Waymo vehicle on February 10, and a fatal traffic collision. Vice President Carter Oberstone requested information on new automatic license plate readers (flock cameras); the commission agreed to agendize the topic for the next meeting. Commissioner Yee raised concerns about Waymo autonomous vehicles blocking traffic and creating safety hazards.
- DPA Director's Report: Executive Director Paul Henderson reported 82 cases opened year-to-date (up from 79 last year), 86 closed, 308 pending, 33 investigations beyond nine months. DPA was selected to present at a national auditors conference. A survey on stop data audit objectives was distributed to commissioners.
- Sparks Report (Q4 2023): Deputy Chief Peter Walsh and DPA Policy Director Janelle Kaywood presented updates on DGO development. Key discussions included DGO 7.01 (juveniles) with 55 public comments, and DGO 6.10 (missing persons), which has not been updated since 1999. Commissioners directed that DGO 6.10 be expedited rather than restarted from scratch. DPA reiterated its request for direct access to SFPD's evidence.com for body camera footage; technical and contractual issues remain.
- Update on 14 DGOs: Deputy Chief Walsh provided status on 14 DGOs under revision. Commissioner Benedicto expressed frustration with slow progress and new interpretations of DGO 3.01 that lack deadlines, particularly DGO 2.07 (public review ended October 2023, not yet in concurrence). Discussion on DGO 6.14 (gravely disabled definition) and the need for physician-informed training.
- Adoption of DGO 8.04 (Critical Incident Response Team): Approved unanimously (7-0) after a minor typo correction.
- Adoption of DGO 3.12 (Department Training Plan): Approved unanimously (7-0) subject to labor negotiations.
- Adoption of DGO 6.20 (Member-Involved Domestic Violence): Approved unanimously (7-0) after an amendment changing "should" to "shall" in Section K to mandate consideration of adjustments for member victims of domestic violence.
Key Outcomes
- DGO 8.04 Adopted (7-0).
- DGO 3.12 Adopted (7-0) subject to labor negotiations.
- DGO 6.20 Adopted (7-0) as amended.
- Commission directed to agendize a presentation on flock cameras for the next meeting.
- Commission directed to expedite the missing persons DGO (6.10) without restarting the process.
- Closed session held on Item 14; commission voted 7-0 not to disclose any discussion except factual updates in the minutes.
Meeting Transcript
And to the Republic. For which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, liberty, and justice for all. Yes. President Alliance would like to take roll. Please do. Commissioner Walker. Commissioner Benedicto. Here. Commissioner Yanyez. Here. Commissioner Byrne. Here. Commissioner Yee. Here. Vice President Carter Overstone is in route. President Alliance, you have a quorum also with us tonight. We have Chief Scott from the San Francisco Police Department and Executive Director Paul Henderson from the Department of Police Accountability. Hello, everyone. Welcome. Happy Valentine's Day. I know it's so great to be here on Valentine's Day. I know. I specifically requested this day so that we could all be together on this special day. And the rain makes it extra special. Extra. Exactly. Okay, so we have a pretty decent agenda, so let's get going and hopefully get out of here at a decent hour. Line item one, weekly officer recognition certificate. Presentation of an officer who has gone above and beyond in the performance of their duties. Sergeant Anthony Serke, star number 1054, Knight Investigations Unit. Good evening. My name is Jacqueline Sellinger, and I am the lieutenant assigned to the Night Investigations Unit. I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to President Elias, the Commissioners, Chief Scott, and the Executive Director Henderson for the opportunity to recognize the exceptional work done by the men and women of the San Francisco Police Department. Today, it is my honor to present Sergeant Anthony Sirkey, a member of my own team. As a new lieutenant to NIU, I have only known Sergeant Sirkey for a short period of time. However, within that brief period, I quickly realized what an exemplary investigator he is, and that he is a huge asset to the night investigations team. Sergeant Serkey is a 13-year veteran of law enforcement with almost 10 years of experience with SFPD. He joined the department as a lateral officer from Navado Police Department. He was recruited by his father-in-law, retired SFPD officer John Rogerio. His star number was handed down three generations from his grandfather-in-law to his father-in-law to him. And has been in the family since 1952. Sergeant Serkey's brother is also a police officer with the Petaluma Police Department. His previous assignments were Northern Station Mission Station on Patrol. He worked as a homeless resource officer and then a housing officer. He worked at Southern Station Midnights and also as a field training officer before joining the Plain Clothes team, being a 35-car for the last five years he was at Southern Station. His awards are he was he received were Officer of the Year, Southern Station. He received Investigator of the Year from the Night Investigations Unit 2023, a silver medal of valor from St. Luke's Hospital for an OIS in 2015, and several captain accommodation awards. Complimentary awards.
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