San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - May 21, 2025
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San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - May 21, 2025
The San Francisco Police Commission met on May 21, 2025, at 1:45 PM. The meeting included officer recognition, public comment, a chief's report on crime trends, a DPA director's report, and commission reports. The commission also voted to enter closed session.
Consent Calendar
- The commission voted unanimously to receive and file the consent calendar items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- General Public Comment (Item 2):
- Daniel Reed alleged that the SFPD fabricated evidence used to obtain surveillance orders against him, referencing a person named Katarina connected to the late public defender Jeff Adachi. He requested a meeting with the chief.
- Chantil Rose, mother of a murder victim, reported difficulty contacting lead investigator Scott Warnecke and requested updates on her son's case. President Elias offered to follow up.
- A mother of an unsolved homicide victim (Arbre Arcasa, murdered August 14, 2006) urged the commission to solve the case, stating that law enforcement knows the perpetrators' names. She thanked Chief Scott for his attentiveness and expressed concern about the next chief.
- A recently retired 34-year veteran of the DA's office praised the SFPD for supporting the Bombers youth program in Bayview Hunters Point. Commissioner Liang requested to agendize the program for a future meeting.
- Public Comment on Officer Recognition (Item 1):
- A member of the public congratulated Acting Sergeant Al Duarte, describing him as caring and supportive.
- Public Comment on Chief's Report (Item 4):
- The same mother of an unsolved homicide victim again pressed for progress and thanked Chief Scott.
- Public Comment on Closed Session (Item 7):
- No public comment was offered.
Discussion Items
- Weekly Officer Recognition (Item 1):
- Acting Sergeant Al Duarte was honored for his behind-the-scenes work in the Chief's Office, including managing partnerships, events, and liaison duties. Chief Scott, President Elias, and Commissioners Yee, Benedicto, Clay, Leung, and Yi all praised his dedication and family sacrifices. Al Duarte thanked his family and team.
- Chief's Report (Item 4):
- Chief Scott reported crime trends: total Part 1 crimes down 3,883 (27% from last year), property crimes at 8,776 (down from 12,362), violent crimes at 1,508 (down 297). Homicides at 9 vs. 12 last year (25% reduction). Gun violence victims at 46 vs. 47. Firearm seizures at 377 vs. 460; ghost guns up to 41 from 40. The homicide clearance rate is 122% year-to-date.
- Significant arrests included a stabbing at Trader Joe's (suspect pointed gun, arrested), a stabbing in Mission (suspect in custody), and an attempted robbery where four juveniles were arrested. Two stabbings remain under investigation.
- A DUI collision on May 17 involved SFPD officer Ryan Quang, who had just graduated from the academy. Quang was arrested for DUI causing injuries and is no longer a member of the department. Chief Scott expressed condolences and affirmed accountability.
- DPA Director's Report (Item 5):
- Executive Director Henderson reported the use of force audit is underway (May 2024 – March 2025). DPA opened 8 new cases and closed 27. Top allegations: neglect of duty. Three cases past 270 days; two are being drafted and not sustained. 94 sustained DPA cases pending with the Chief, 2 pending with the commission. No closed session items.
- Commission Reports (Item 6):
- President Elias reported attending a 32-cadet police academy graduation and announced the formation of a chief search subcommittee (Elias, Benedicto, Leung) to work with DHR. The full commission will review applications and interview candidates, with public input sought.
- Commissioner Benedicto visited the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) at the Hall of Justice, noting its technology and drone operations. He also met with community groups on district boundary analysis, with maps expected for a commission vote in June.
- Commissioner Yee noted AAPI Heritage Month and mental health awareness, thanking the chief for expanding Behavioral Science Unit resources.
- Vote to Enter Closed Session (Item 8):
- The commission voted unanimously to hold Item 9 in closed session.
Key Outcomes
- Votes:
- Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
- Closed Session motion: Approved 5-0.
- Vote not to disclose closed session discussion (Item 10): Motion passed not to disclose except nonprivileged factual information on items 9A and 9B, which will be in the minutes.
- Next Steps:
- The chief search subcommittee will begin work with DHR.
- District boundary analysis maps to be presented for commission vote in June.
- The unsolved homicide report (Item 4 bullet) was removed from the agenda and will be reagendized.
- The Bombers youth program will be agendized for a future meeting.
Meeting Transcript
To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which we stand one nation under God. President Lyons would like to take role. Please do, thank you. Commissioner Scott is excused. Commissioner Leoung. Present. Commissioner Clay. Present. Commissioner Benedicto. Present. Commissioner Yi. Here. President Alliance, you have a quorum also with us tonight as Chief Scott from the San Francisco Police Department and Executive Director Paul Henderson from the Department of Police Accountability. Thank you. Hello, everyone. Welcome to our May 21st meeting. Sergeant, please take roll. I mean, uh, please move to the first item. Line item one, weekly officer recognition certificate. Presentation of an officer who has gone above and beyond in the performance of their duties. Officer Al Duarte, star number 1433, Chief's Office. No, assistance. Come on up. Hello, hello, welcome. Come on up. Come on, come to the front. We need you up front. Live in center. Alright. I need you in front. Oh my gosh. Please come step in front. Good evening. Uh Chief Scott, President Lyons, Commissioner. And members of the public. Today I have the great honor of presenting this week also. As we usually honor our SOP members in the patrol and investigations, I am so honored to be able to recognize a sworn member in an administrative capacity who plays a vital role in moving the department forward behind the scenes. Acting Sergeant Al Dorte was transferred to the Chief's Office during the beginning of Chief Scott's tenure. Having him be having him being the longest current Chief's Office staff employee. Acting Sergeant Al Dorte lives up to his title. He is the foundation and the glue of the Chief's Office. Between tackling projects that help move this department forward, strategic planning to benefit the chief and manage staff under his command. He is a man of many jobs. And he makes multitasking look so easy. As many don't know, some behind the scene tasks that I like to highlight the acting Sergeant Dorte manage our soldiers of the past, partnerships with Stanford University, Chief Scott's internal and external department events, and acts as a lead liaison for other outside agencies and departments. Thanks to his selflessness, Acting Sergeant Alberto Dorte consist constantly puts the needs, well-being, and happiness of others and the department before his own. The late night phone calls, many of them, lost weekends, many of them, and long nights, many of them. Do not go unnoticed as I see his commitment and drive every day. I am truly grateful for his hard work and dedication in the Chief's Office. And to the San Francisco Police Department.
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