San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – April 17, 2024

The San Francisco Police Commission met on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:45 PM (local time) to discuss a range of public safety and oversight matters. The meeting included the recognition of an officer, a report on crime trends, updates from the Department of Police Accountability (DPA), a presentation on the Early Intervention System (EIS), and a discussion on the department’s response to a DPA audit on misconduct handling. The commission also voted on several items, including the adoption of a revised equipment policy and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously received and filed the Police Commission Report of Disciplinary Actions for the first quarter of 2024, the Internal Affairs Annual Report for 2023, and the SFPD and DPA SP 1421 monthly report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Ward Klein urged the commission to refer a criminal complaint to the district attorney’s office regarding alleged illegal issuance of credentials into police and public safety systems, citing California Penal Code sections 502 and 653.2. He also called for a top-to-bottom review of senior officers.
• J. Connor B. Ortega expressed strong support for SFPD, congratulated the officer of the month, and praised the passage of Prop E, noting that the downward crime trend proves SFPD can succeed when given the right tools.
• A public commenter thanked Chief Scott for the crime reduction report, but raised concerns about a potential hacking incident during a March marine unit rescue, urging an investigation into system access.
• Another commenter highlighted issues with plea deals, lengthy hearings, and judicial conduct in the court system.

Discussion Items

• Weekly Officer Recognition: Officer Jeffrey Hospital was honored for his work in the Narcotics Division, particularly for removing fentanyl from the streets. The narcotics team has seized over 70 kilos of fentanyl since May 2023. Lieutenant Kevin Healy described Officer Hospital’s tenacity during a January 10, 2024 arrest in the Tenderloin.
• Chief’s Report: Chief Scott reported that overall part one crime is down 30% compared to the same period last year (about 4,400 fewer crimes). Property crimes are down 32% (about 4,200 fewer), violent crime down 14% (about 200 fewer), homicides down 31% (9 vs. 13), and gun violence down 35% (35 victims vs. 54). He highlighted a homicide arrest on April 5, 2024, on the 2300 block of Mission Street, with a suspect arrested within nine hours, and a marine unit rescue of four individuals from a capsized boat on April 14. The chief also noted a protest on the Golden Gate Bridge on April 15 resulting in approximately 30 arrests (by CHP, SFPD provided mutual aid) with zero uses of force, and a small sideshow that was quickly dispersed.
• Commission Reports: Commissioner Walker reported on a ride-along in the Tenderloin, noting effective interagency cooperation and the use of private-sector cameras. Commissioner Benedicto reported on the same ride-along and proposed “pieclites” – a community policing concept involving staffed kiosks. He also attended the 20th anniversary remembrance of Officer Isaac Espinoza. Commissioner Yi reported on a merchant walk with the district attorney and chief regarding blessing scams in Chinatown. Commissioner Yanies discussed language access discrepancies in the IA report and the progress on a juvenile pre-booking diversion DGO.
• DPA Director’s Report: Executive Director Henderson reported that DPA’s audit division received its third consecutive Knight Award from the Association of Local Government Auditors for the 2023 audit on SFPD’s handling of officer misconduct. He noted a 12% decrease in cases opened compared to 2023, a 4% increase in cases closed, an 18% increase in sustained cases, and that 79% of cases over 270 days are tolled (22 of 28). He also mentioned that 112 cases sustained by DPA are pending with the chief, and 13 are pending with the commission.
• Department General Order 10.02 (Equipment): The commission adopted the revised DGO after Chief Scott waived the community engagement process required by Prop E, citing extensive prior feedback. The motion passed unanimously (6-0).
• Early Intervention System (EIS) Presentation: Sergeant Darwin Nobal presented Q3 and Q4 2023 data. Use of force indicator points decreased by 75.4% in Q3 and 67.4% in Q4 compared to the previous year. EIS alerts decreased by 59.8% in Q3 and 70.1% in Q4. The department is piloting a new system from Benchmark (First Sign) in July 2024. Director Henderson raised concerns about incorporating implicit bias tracking and abeyance criteria into the system.
• Discussion on SFPD’s Response to DPA Audit on Officer Misconduct: Stephen Betts, risk management attorney, presented the department’s response to the 31 audit recommendations. The department plans to implement 27, with 14 already completed. Disagreements remain on two topics: defining and tracking implicit bias (SFPD cites feasibility concerns) and establishing criteria for holding discipline in abeyance (SFPD argues discretion is needed). Commissioner Byrne noted inconsistencies in recommended penalties for similar violations.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted: Department General Order 10.02 (Equipment) – unanimous vote (6-0).
• Pulled: Item 8 (DGO 6.20, Member-Involved Domestic Violence) was rescheduled for a future meeting.
• Closed Session: The commission voted (5-0) to hold Item 14 in closed session, asserting attorney-client privilege. After closed session, they voted (5-0) not to disclose any discussion and to maintain the privilege.
• Consent Calendar and Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items: The Internal Affairs Annual Report will be agendized for a future meeting per Director Henderson’s request. The commission also agreed to calendar a discussion on SFPD’s response to sexual assault cases and a presentation on the “pieclites” proposal.