San Francisco Police Commission Meeting – July 9, 2025

The San Francisco Police Commission met on July 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM (start time) to discuss public safety, approve routine items, receive reports from the Chief and Department of Police Accountability (DPA), update the search for a new police chief, and approve a long-updated media relations policy. The meeting included officer recognition, public comments on surveillance, budget cuts, and a mother seeking justice for her son's murder, and unanimous votes on key agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved (7-0) the following items: Police Commission Report of Disciplinary Action, Second Quarter 2025; 2024 SFPD Department Awards certification; donation of a soft interview room by the nonprofit Project Beloved; and SFPD and DPA SB 1421 and SB16 reports.

Adoption of Minutes

• The minutes for the meetings of June 4, 11, and 18, 2025 were adopted unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Officer Recognition (Line Item 1): One commenter expressed skepticism about the ceremony, stating the mayor would not need protection if he did a good job.
• General Public Comment (Line Item 2):
  • Chris Workline (also identified as Sergeant Klein, USMC) spoke about surveillance technology, urging an emergency meeting to establish a hierarchy of surveillance and to address what he described as a "censor war" between cities.
  • Another speaker argued that technology makes people "dumb" and that weapons are for unintelligence; self-consciousness suffices.
  • Chris Chisnell, senior investigator at DPA (speaking personally as a District One resident), advocated against a proposed layoff of a colleague, arguing that cutting DPA would send a message that the city wants less oversight and lower standards for police.
  • A second DPA employee (speaking as a resident) echoed concerns about the layoff of a permanent civil servant with nine years of service, stating the budget process has been confusing and upsetting.
  • Terry Torgeson, a seven-year DPA investigator (speaking personally), expressed frustration over lack of communication from DPA leadership regarding budget cuts, noting the last staff meeting was May 8, 2025.
  • Another DPA investigator (the lone 8124 investigator handling incarcerated person complaints) urged rejection of layoffs, warning that further cuts would jeopardize legally mandated timelines and undermine public trust.
  • A mother of murder victim Abre Abracassa (killed August 14, 2006) appealed for police to act on the names of perpetrators she says are known to police, and requested media coverage and support for an anniversary vigil on August 14.
• Chief’s Report (Line Item 5): The same mother commented that she spoke with her investigator and noted a new paid tipster law passed by the Board of Supervisors, hoping it will lead to new information.
• Search and Selection for Chief of Police (Line Item 8): A commenter recalled protests and police killings under former Chief Greg Suhr and asked what protections exist to prevent a future chief from escalating police shootings and brutality.
• DPA Director’s Report (Line Item 6): No public comment.
• Commission Reports (Line Item 7): No public comment.
• DGO 8.09 (Line Item 9): No public comment.

Discussion Items

• Chief’s Report: Chief Yep reported:
  • Promotion of Captain Hector Gacino to Commander of Night Operations, effective July 5.
  • Participation in Juneteenth and Pride parades, and the 28th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June 25.
  • Responses to Commissioner inquiries: For the June 16 NOIA protests, one felony arrest, zero uses of force, drones deployed, one civilian injured. For the June 16 pursuit (4 minutes), two suspects injured, no bystander or officer injuries, no drones deployed.
  • Crime statistics (year-to-date): Violent crimes down 20%, property crimes down 29%, overall crime down 28%. Shooting incidents (non-fatal) down 27%, homicide victims down 29% (12 total).
  • Notable incidents: A homicide on June 21 (arrest made); a sideshow on June 21 with ~20–40 vehicles and 100 spectators; a search warrant execution on June 24 seizing gambling machines, firearm, narcotics; a fugitive enforcement operation on June 25 netting 97 arrests (largest one-day such operation in recent history).
  • July 4th operations: 47 priority explosions, 395 disturbances; one working fire (fireworks-related), 25 grass fires, 23 trash fires, 10 fireworks-related injuries, five shooting victims. In the Mission district, crowds at four intersections launched commercial-grade fireworks at police; officers deployed LRAD and 40mm less-lethal foam baton projectiles to disperse; one arrest on felony/misdemeanor charges; gang task force arrested a wanted gang-affiliated suspect, recovering a loaded firearm and suspected narcotics.
• DPA Director’s Report: Executive Director Paul Henderson reported:
  • Complaints have increased 24% over 2024 (nearly 100 more cases), distributed across districts.
  • Ten cases have exceeded the 270-day investigation deadline (all cold cases). Only one case pending final adjudication before the Commission (lowest in memory).
  • The Association of Local Government Auditors featured DPA’s audit of SFPD stop data in its 2025 summer quarterly.
  • NACOLE will host a regional conference in San Francisco on August 27–28 focused on technology, AI, and oversight.
  • Regarding budget cuts: He confirmed that notices of potential layoffs have been issued for one senior investigator, one legal position, and administrative staff. He argued that cuts would severely impact investigations, legal case prosecution, and policy work. He stated that his arguments are being heard and that he will update staff and the Commission once negotiations are final.
• Commission Reports:
  • President Clay reported meeting with DHR on the chief search process (June 26) and attending the Chinese Six Companies installation ceremony on July 2 with Commissioners Leong and Yi.
  • Vice President Benedicto welcomed Commissioner Prativoteki, noting her work at Tenderloin Housing Clinic. He reported attending Juneteenth and Pride parades, praising Officers for Justice (OFJ) and the Pride Alliance. He presented a plaque to retiring Deputy Chief Raj Vazwani (to become Burlingame police chief). He spoke to DPA interns about policy recommendations. He stated the district boundary analysis will return to the next meeting. He strongly advocated for fully funding DPA, asserting that accountability and public safety go hand-in-hand, and thanked DPA employees for their public comments.
  • Commissioner Lyas requested that the Chief report on any civilian layoffs in the department next week.
  • Commissioner Yi welcomed Commissioner Techie and thanked President Clay and Commissioner Leong for attending the Chinese Six Companies event.
• Search and Selection Process for Chief of Police: Carol Isen, Human Resources Director, presented:
  • DHR executed an agreement with Ralph Anderson & Associates to conduct the executive search. The firm has extensive police chief recruitment experience in California, including the recruitment of former Chief Scott in 2016.
  • The selection process: DHR issued an RFQ to four pre-qualified firms; three submitted proposals. Ralph Anderson was ranked highest on criteria (experience, cost, etc.).
  • The firm is prepared to meet with the Commission as soon as the next meeting (July 16).
  • Commissioner Benedicto noted the Commission’s website now has a landing page for the recruitment with posted materials. She asked about releasing other proposals; Director Isen stated they are available via public records request after contract execution.
  • The Commission expressed intent to conduct a transparent process with public input.
• Department General Order 8.09 – Media Relations: Evan Cernovsky, Director of Strategic Communications, presented the revised DGO:
  • Last updated in 1994. Key changes: codified the Media Relations Unit as primary media contact; defined "duly authorized representative of the media" consistent with state law; added press briefing guidance; replaced "disaster scene" with "major and critical incidents."
  • The Commission unanimously approved the DGO for use in meeting and conferring with affected bargaining units, as required by law.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Adoption of Minutes: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• DGO 8.09 – Media Relations: Approved unanimously (7-0) for meeting and conferring with bargaining units.
• Chief Search: The Commission directed DHR to have Ralph Anderson & Associates present at the next meeting (July 16). The selection process will be transparent, with public updates on the Commission’s website.
• DPA Budget Cuts: Director Henderson stated negotiations are ongoing and he will inform the Commission and staff of the outcome. Commissioners expressed support for fully funding DPA and requested improved communication from DPA leadership to staff. The Chief is asked to report on civilian layoffs at the next meeting.