San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – March 6, 2024

The San Francisco Police Commission convened on March 6, 2024, at 1:45 PM UTC (noted as evening meeting). The meeting included officer recognition, public comment, reports from the Chief and DPA Director, and votes on several Department General Orders (DGOs). Key actions included adoption of DGO 9.07 (pretext stops) for the MEA bargaining unit (4-2), and unanimous adoption of DGOs 9.05, 9.04, 5.25, and approval to send DGO 10.02 to meet and confer.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously voted to receive and file the SFPD and DPA fourth-quarter document protocol memos. No public comment was offered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (Item 2): Multiple speakers addressed the commission:
  • A speaker urged the commission to reconsider the use of autonomous vehicles and expressed concerns about "unintelligence."
  • Daisy Ozam reported on alleged use of synthetic telepathy and data breaches by technology systems, calling for police action.
  • Chris Quartklein discussed "man in the middle" attacks on police systems and asked for reduced digital surveillance to prevent overdoses.
  • A speaker praised an FBI plan for psychological evaluations and therapy for officers.
  • A speaker questioned the validity of the previous week's vote on DGO 9.07 due to a commissioner's remote participation, arguing it violated state requirements.
  • Alan Burradell criticized four commissioners for voting to restrict pretext stops, calling it contempt for voters.
  • A Latina community leader requested increased recruitment of Latinos into SFPD, citing a lack of representation.
  • Lethi Seth Flores asked for more accountability and questioned police reporting duties.
  • A speaker opposed upcharging practices in the criminal justice system.
  • Paulette Brown, mother of unsolved homicide victim Aubrey Abracassa, pleaded for continued attention to her son's case and others.
• Comment on Item 4 (Minutes): Two speakers requested revision of the February 21, 2024 minutes to reflect that a commissioner was not present (and thus their vote void).
• Comment on Item 5 (Chief's Report): A speaker discussed unsolved homicides and a proposed reward program.
• No public comment on other items.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 – Consent Calendar: Received and filed unanimously.
• Item 4 – Adoption of Minutes: Minutes from February 7, 14, and 21, 2024 were adopted unanimously after public comment.
• Item 5 – Chief's Report: Chief Scott reported:
  • Shooting victims down 22%, total gun violence victims down 30%.
  • Ghost gun seizures: zero in 2024 vs. 40 by same time last year. Total gun seizures: 141 (19 fewer than last year).
  • Two non-fatal shootings and three stabbings (all from arguments) during the week; no arrests.
  • A protest on March 2, 2024, involved force (pepper spray, batons) after barricade breaches; officers were spat on and hit with objects. Body-worn camera footage contradicts initial reports of force on peaceful protesters. Two officers and at least one protester injured.
  • Narcotics unit seized ~46 pounds of narcotics, including 10 pounds of fentanyl, with seven arrests.
  • Commissioner Yanez questioned the effectiveness of enforcement on overdose deaths; Chief noted disruption of daytime drug markets but acknowledged ongoing night market challenges. Discussion of CART vs. HART program funding.
  • Commissioner Byrne asked about release of body-worn camera footage; Chief said it would be released if it does not jeopardize an investigation, with an update in two weeks.
  • Commissioner Byrne inquired about staffing increases for the Tenderloin swing shift; Chief deferred to provide specifics at next meeting.
  • Commissioner Carter-Oberstone noted that 60% of arrests are users, not dealers, and questioned resource allocation.
• Item 6 – DPA Director's Report: Director Henderson reported:
  • Year-to-date: 106 new cases, 110 closed, 307 open/pending (up from last year). 14 sustained, 2 mediated. 30 cases exceeding 270 days (none past 3304 deadline).
  • Top allegations: conduct unbecoming (22%) and neglect of duty (16%). Southern precinct had most cases.
  • Outreach: restocked brochures, attended Richmond Station community meeting.
  • Audit responses received; preparation for conference with department.
  • Four cases in closed session.
• Item 7 – Commission Reports:
  • President Elias noted that Proposition E (likely passed) will be implemented with city attorney guidance; public will be kept informed.
  • Commissioner Benedicto reported attending Lunar New Year parade, academy graduation (19 officers), and upcoming quarterly DPA audit liaison meeting.
  • Commissioner Byrne asked about agendizing DGOs affected by Prop E; President Elias deferred to future discussion.
  • Commissioner Walker reported a ride-along at Richmond Station, meeting with patrol specials, and appreciation for retiring patrol special Alan Bayer.
  • Commissioner Yanez requested an update on pre-booking juvenile diversion program and a discussion on clearance rates citywide.
• Item 8 – DGO 9.07 (Pretext Stops): Motion to adopt for MEA bargaining unit, with same implementation delay as POA version. After no public comment, vote was 4-2 (Commissioners Walker and Byrne opposed).
• Item 9 – DGO 9.05 (Citation Control): Adopted unanimously with 45-day implementation.
• Item 10 – DGO 9.04 (Seatbelt Policy): Adopted unanimously with 90-day implementation.
• Item 11 – DGO 5.25 (Foot Pursuit): Adopted unanimously with 45-day implementation. Noted collaboration between DPA and training division.
• Item 12 – DGO 10.02 (Equipment): Approved to send to meet and confer. Commissioner Byrne asked about applicability of Prop E's new community engagement requirements; city attorney filling in deferred to a later public answer. Vote was unanimous.
• Item 13-16 – Closed Session: Commission voted to hold closed session on Item 15, and later voted unanimously not to disclose any discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted DGO 9.07 (Pretext Stops) for MEA bargaining unit (4-2). Will take effect concurrently with the POA version after training.
• Adopted DGO 9.05 (Citation Control) (unanimous). Implementation in 45 days.
• Adopted DGO 9.04 (Seatbelt Policy) (unanimous). Implementation in 90 days.
• Adopted DGO 5.25 (Foot Pursuit) (unanimous). Implementation in 45 days; training already underway.
• Approved sending DGO 10.02 (Equipment) to meet and confer (unanimous). City attorney to address public question on Prop E applicability at next meeting.
• Consent calendar and minutes approved unanimously.
• Future agenda items: Update on pre-booking juvenile diversion program, discussion on clearance rates, and further DGOs affected by Prop E to be scheduled.