San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – June 12, 2024

The San Francisco Police Commission met on June 12, 2024, to discuss crime trends, the Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) implementation, proposed working groups for 2024, and other police oversight matters. The meeting included public comment, reports from the Chief of Police and Department of Police Accountability (DPA), and votes on the consent calendar and closed session. A new commissioner was welcomed, and a returning commissioner was recognized.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously voted to accept and file the SFPD's SB 1421 and SB 16 monthly report (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A member of the public criticized the Chief for wearing a rainbow flag, calling it fictional and pride as enemy of intelligence, and discussed patrol specials and the treatment of former Chief Jane Warner.
• A speaker alleged illegal access to public health/safety systems by domestic and international actors, asking the commission to work with other jurisdictions to stop a supposed civil war.
• A woman reported that Officer Paul Ruedi failed to properly investigate her restraining order and death threats, leading to her fear of retaliation.
• A mother of a murder victim from 2006 (Aubrey Abracasa) demanded justice and urged use of reward funds to solve unsolved homicides.
• A speaker urged moving part of the Castro into the Park Station district during the boundary analysis and expressed dismay about the continued vibrancy of downtown drug markets despite health-focused strategies.

Discussion Items

• Weekly Officer Recognition: Officer Dennis Akmache (Traffic Company) was recognized for his role in identifying and arresting a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run collision. Lieutenant O'Connor and Chief Scott praised his proactive work; it was also noted that Officer Akmache helped save a person from overdosing en route to the meeting.
• Chief’s Report: Chief Scott reported overall part I crime down 30% (almost 7,000 fewer crimes year-to-date), property crime down 33%, violent crime down 13%, car break-ins down 51%, homicides down 36% (14 vs 22), and total gun violence down 36%. He detailed a homicide at Dolores Park, a non-fatal shooting, and multiple sideshow events over the weekend where officers were assaulted with bottles, rocks, lasers, and explosives. The department’s rapid response broke up the events; air support (drones/helicopters) was noted as helpful for future management. The Chief also discussed the tenderloin drug market strategy update, mentioning a pilot where medical staff are on call for outreach by Co-Tenderloin, leading to about 50 people getting off the streets. A $1 million donation for officer wellness was discussed; it will be distributed through a separate foundation after captains submit plans.
• DPA Director’s Report: Acting Director Rosenstein stated DPA opened 8 new cases, closed 13, and pending cases are trending downward. The audit division, with the Controller’s Office, followed up on a 2020 use of force audit; the department has completed 33 of 37 agreed-upon recommendations, with 4 outstanding. DPA participated in Juneteenth and Pride events, and is researching for Prop E-related changes to DGO 5.05.
• Commission Reports: President Elias announced the review of police district boundaries, mandated every 10 years, with a deadline for a recommendation by January 2025 and implementation by July 2026. Vice President Carter Oberstone thanked outgoing Commissioner Byrne, welcomed Commissioner Walker and retired Judge Clay, and requested to re-agendize the SF Safe issue. Commissioner Walker reported on progress toward increasing women in policing (30x30 commitment), including a child care pilot with Supervisor Melgar’s office.
• Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) Implementation Update: Sergeant Rivera presented that all 272 recommendations are now in various stages: 245 in substantial compliance, 24 with Jensen Hughes for validation, and 3 with California DOJ for external validation. Discussion focused on how Prop E affects use of force reporting and data collection; the department intends to rely more on body-worn cameras and is seeking technology upgrades (transcription, redaction) in the budget. Commissioner Elias pressed on the need to maintain audit capability, and Vice President Carter Oberstone questioned whether substantial compliance equates to best practices. Chief Scott and Sergeant Rivera emphasized the cultural shift and continuous improvement. Commissioner Yanez raised concerns about persistent racial disparities in stops and use of force; Chief Scott outlined strategies including the new DGO 9.07 and violence reduction efforts.
• Proposed 2024 DGO Working Group List: Hitesh (community policy working group coordinator) proposed two working groups for the remainder of 2024: DGO 5.20 (Language Access Services) and DGO 6.16 (Sexual Assault Investigations), citing administrative capacity and time constraints. DPA concurred with this selection. The commission voted unanimously to approve those two working groups.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0.
• Vote on Closed Session: Commissioners voted 6-0 to hold Item 11 in closed session, then voted 6-0 not to disclose any discussion from closed session.
• Vote on DGO Working Groups: Unanimously approved moving forward with working groups for DGO 5.20 (Language Access) and DGO 6.16 (Sexual Assault Investigations).
• Next Steps: The Chief will present a budget request for technology to implement Prop E; the district boundary review continues with public input opportunities; the CRI report from Cal DOJ and Jensen Hughes is expected in the coming months; the SF Safe issue may be re-agendized.