San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - April 16, 2025

The San Francisco Police Commission met on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The meeting included the Chief's Report, DPA Director's Report, Commission Reports, presentations on the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) and Firearm Discharge/In-Custody Death Review Board, and votes on two Department General Orders. The meeting also featured public testimony, discussion on large-scale enforcement actions, and recognition of Chief William Scott.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several members of the public spoke during General Public Comment and on specific agenda items. One public commenter expressed full support for the large-scale enforcement operations at Market and Van Ness, citing improved conditions since the March 19 operation and urging the department to continue such actions. Another speaker, representing the Civic Center Community Benefit District, described finding individuals passed out on drugs, trash, and drug paraphernalia each morning and stated that enforcement sends a message that open-air drug use will not be tolerated.
• A mother of a homicide victim (Aubrey Abercassa, murdered in 2006) urged the commission to keep unsolved case information flowing and requested that homicide inspectors maintain regular contact with families.
• Several other public commenters raised concerns about organized crime, technology, and lack of police response; one speaker alleged harassment and surveillance. The commission did not respond to these comments.

Discussion Items

• Chief's Report (Item 2): Chief Scott reported overall part-one crimes down 30% (over 4,000 fewer crimes) compared to the same period last year, with violent crime down 15% and property crime down 32%. Shooting incidents increased 22% (28 vs. 23) and gun violence victims increased by four. Weapon seizures totaled 312 in 2025, including 41 ghost guns. The Chief provided a detailed update on the March 19 mass arrest operation at Market and Van Ness, where 41 people were arrested out of an estimated 90+ individuals engaged in drug activity. Officers confiscated 37 items of drug paraphernalia, and many arrestees had outstanding warrants from multiple jurisdictions. The Chief emphasized the operation was based on probable cause and reasonable suspicion, and he supported the officers' actions despite the District Attorney not charging many cases. He noted ongoing collaboration with the DA's office to improve evidence collection and future operations. Commissioners discussed displacement, officer fatigue, and the need for long-term strategies including lighting and environmental changes.
• DPA Director's Report (Item 3): Director Paul Henderson announced a partnership with the Controller's Office to review the 2023 audit (Officer Misconduct) and reported that DPA had opened 13 new cases and closed 22 cases in the past week. The top allegation was conduct unbecoming. DPA has no cases exceeding 270 days. He updated on intern training and policy collaboration with SFPD.
• Commission Reports (Item 4): President Elias and commissioners praised Chief Scott for his leadership and reform efforts, noting he received recognition from the Board of Supervisors. Commissioner Benedict discussed DGO updates (7.01, 6.16 on sexual assault), the SFPD boundary analysis, and plans to visit the new Real-Time Investigation Center. Commissioner Scott highlighted National Crime Victims' Rights Week events. Commissioner Yanes requested updates on the annual language access report (scheduled for May 7) and a pre-booking program MOU.
• Disciplinary Review Board (Item 5): Lieutenant Lisa Springer (IAD) and Sharon Wu (DPA) presented findings for Q3 and Q4 2024. In Q3, the top IAD trend was conduct unbecoming (29.79%). DPA's top trend was neglect of duty. One policy failure (vehicle tows) and two training failures (body-worn camera termination, CIT training) were noted. In Q4, conduct unbecoming rose to 36.23% (25 cases). Policy failures included a sergeant working overtime over the cap (common practice) and a captain bringing a dog to work (no policy). A training failure involved an officer-involved shooting where cover/concealment training was inadequate. The department issued a department notice on swatting following a policy failure. OEI found no racial disparities. A revised DGO on vehicle tows is in concurrence.
• Firearm Discharge & In-Custody Death Review Board (Item 6): Presented by Lieutenant Springer. Two OIS cases were reviewed: one found officers acted in policy except for a brief delay in body-worn camera activation; the other was an accidental off-duty discharge (no injuries). Two in-custody deaths were reviewed: one on Treasure Island (2022) where the subject died from methamphetamine/alcohol toxicity combined with physical restraint — officers found in policy; another at Park Station (2022) where the subject died from mixed drug toxicity — officers in policy.
• DGO 6.14 (Psychological Evaluation of Adults) (Item 7): Adopted unanimously (7-0) with a 30-day implementation period.
• DGO 11.02 (Secondary Employment) (Item 8): Approved unanimously (7-0) subject to labor relations resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: DGO 6.14 and DGO 11.02 both passed 7-0.
• Closed Session: The commission voted unanimously to hold Item 11 (Closed Session) and voted unanimously not to disclose any discussion held in closed session.
• Future Agenda Items:
  • The full presentation on the Market and Van Ness operation and pursuit policy is scheduled for May 2025.
  • The annual language access report will be presented on May 7, 2025.
  • Homicide investigators will be invited to give an update on unsolved cases.
• Directives: The Chief will coordinate with commission staff to recognize officers who received vehicle theft recovery awards. The DPA and SFPD will continue working on pre-booking program MOU and policy improvements.

Meeting adjourned.