San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - July 8, 2026
San Francisco Police Commission Meeting - July 8, 2026
The San Francisco Police Commission met on July 8, 2026, beginning at approximately 1:45 PM. The meeting included officer recognition, a chief's report on crime trends and the controversial Pride weekend incidents, public comment overwhelmingly critical of police actions at the Trans March and Stud Alley, discussion and approval of three revised Department General Orders (DGOs), and a presentation of the DPA's 2025 annual statistical report. Commissioners expressed commitment to community engagement and scheduled further discussion of the Pride incidents.
Consent Calendar
- The commission received and filed the SFPD Quarterly Activity and Data Report (first quarter 2026), SB 1421 and SB 16 monthly reports, but voted to agendize the SFPD Sparks Report for quarter one at a future meeting. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
- A public commenter noted that meeting minutes from the prior meeting were not included in the agenda and requested printed copies for comparison.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Officer Recognition (Line Item 1): Michael Petrellis requested equal time at meetings to highlight unsolved crimes and wanted images of wanted suspects displayed. A transgender resident began speaking but was redirected to general public comment.
- General Public Comment (Line Item 2): The majority of speakers were transgender residents and allies who described police violence during Pride weekend (June 26-27). They reported officers with batons, rifles, and drones at the Trans March and Stud Alley, stating that police escalated peaceful celebrations into violence. Speakers demanded accountability, a full investigation, a town hall, and police-free Pride. Specific allegations included officers charging into crowds, shoving people, causing injuries (bruises, concussion), and making over 20 arrests with serious charges. Many referenced the historic Compton's Cafeteria riots and expressed fear and loss of trust. One speaker (mother of an unsolved homicide victim) urged the commission to support families of victims and called for renewed efforts on cold cases. A retired police officer spoke in support of community policing and urged the commission to engage with communities.
- Chief's Report (Line Item 4): Several public commenters criticized the chief's lack of written materials and failure to agendize the Pride incidents earlier. They questioned why arrests were made in the middle of a large crowd when suspects were already identified via drone surveillance, and why property damage took priority over public safety. Speakers also expressed concerns about the growing surveillance state (flock cameras, drones, LPRs) and potential misuse of data.
- DPA Report (Line Item 5): A speaker asked how the community can safely provide footage or testimony without fear of retaliation or trumped-up charges.
- Commission Reports (Line Item 6): A speaker urged the commission to act faster on scheduling town halls and agendizing incidents, warning that news cycles move quickly. Another speaker noted that the trans community's distrust makes “see something, say something” ineffective and called on police to call out misconduct by their own officers.
- DGO 5.20 & 5.23: Representatives from Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Language Access Network supported the policies, emphasizing the need for robust implementation and ongoing community consultation. A speaker with hearing aids shared personal experiences and asked officers to be mindful that assistive devices may malfunction.
Discussion Items
- Weekly Officer Recognition: Officer Gerald Bernal (SFO Airport Bureau) was recognized for recovering a traveler's essential medication at the airport on May 31, 2026. Commissioners praised his compassion and quick action.
- Chief's Report (Line Item 4): Chief Derek Liu presented crime trends: part one crimes down 23% year-to-date, violent crimes down 9%, homicides at 16 (adjusted down from 17), gun violence down 18%. Significant incident: one non-fatal shooting at a FIFA watch party on June 30. He then gave detailed accounts of the Trans March (June 26) and Stud Alley (June 27) incidents. For the Trans March: officers observed individuals using paint-filled water guns to vandalize property; drone footage tracked suspects; when officers moved to arrest, a crowd of ~300 surrounded them, threw bottles, and attempted to free suspects. Six arrests made, charges including felony vandalism, hate crime enhancement, conspiracy, battery on a peace officer. Over 20 incidents of vandalism, including to security cameras. Eight uses of force. For Stud Alley: June 27, an unpermitted block party on Kissling Street grew to over 100 people; after dispersal orders, two arrests, later 18 arrests at Washburn Street for unlawful assembly and resisting. Two officers injured, property damage (Waymo vehicles, buildings). Chief stated the department supports the LGBTQ community and that arrests were not targeted at trans individuals. He confirmed a letter of inquiry from Supervisor Jackie Fielder had a July 16 due date.
- Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Benedicto asked for a breakdown of uses of force (types, weapons) and whether a town hall was planned. Commissioner Elias requested that the department's response to the LOI be posted on the commission website and agendized, and asked for a public forum for community dialogue. Commissioner Scott emphasized prevention and suggested using community ambassadors, similar to Juneteenth, to build trust before large events.
- DPA Director's Report (Line Item 5): Director Paul Henderson reported that DPA opened 61 new cases in the past three weeks (including many from Pride events) and closed 52 cases. A language access audit of SFPD's use of surveillance (ALPRs) is in planning. DPA staff attended various community events. He invited those with complaints to speak with a senior investigator present.
- DPA Annual Statistical Report Presentation: CFO/COO Nicole Armstrong presented key metrics: 899 complaints received in 2025 (22% increase over 2024); 938 cases closed; average processing time dropped to 93 days (from 191). Most allegations were neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming, use of force. The report is now in HTML format for better accessibility. DPA also handles ~40 SFSO cases. Commissioners praised the improvements.
- DGO 10.11 (Body Worn Camera): Aja Steves (PDD) presented revised policy, incorporating officer feedback, with clearer activation tables and exceptions. Approved unanimously after public comment.
- DGO 5.20 (Language Access Services): Revised policy expands training to every two years, restricts use of informal interpreters (family, children). Approved with 30-day implementation (August 19, 2026).
- DGO 5.23 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing): Revised policy includes updated communication protocols and visor cards. Approved with 30-day implementation aligning with DGO 5.20.
- Commission Reports (Line Item 6): Commissioners reported on attending Juneteenth and API forums. President Clay announced intent to begin annual performance review processes for the DPA director and police chief in September. Commissioner Elias requested future agenda items: SFPD's transition to online QDAR dashboard, explanation of new benchmarks, and per capita data changes. She also requested agendizing the department's response to the LOI. Commissioner Benedicto emphasized solutions-oriented follow-up, including further DGO assessments. Commissioner Lowe stressed partnership and trust.
Key Outcomes
- Approvals: DGO 10.11 (body worn camera), DGO 5.20 (language access), and DGO 5.23 (deaf/hard of hearing) were all adopted unanimously, each with a 30 business day implementation (effective August 19, 2026 for the latter two).
- Agendized: The SFPD Sparks Report Q1 2026 will be agendized for a future meeting. The department's response to Supervisor Fielder's letter of inquiry will be posted on the commission website and agendized for further discussion. The commission also agreed to consider agendizing the topic of the QDAR online dashboard and new benchmarks.
- Chief's Commitments: Chief Liu committed to responding to Supervisor Fielder's LOI by July 16, 2026. He expressed willingness to hold town halls and provide a more detailed presentation on the Pride incidents, including video footage, coordinated with the District Attorney's office.
- DPA Follow-up: Director Henderson noted that all Pride-related complaints are under investigation; community members were encouraged to file complaints (anonymously if desired) with DPA.
- Future Meetings: President Clay intends to place the annual performance review process for the chief and DPA director on the September agenda. Commissioner Elias requested that the department explain the transition to online dashboards and new benchmarks at a future meeting.
Meeting Transcript
One nation under all individual liberty justice. And there are no minutes that are on the paper. Where are the minute? May I call Rose, sir? Commissioner Lowe? Here. Commissioner Lowe present. Commissioner Scott. Commissioner Scott present. Commissioner Leong? Here. Commissioner Leon present. Commissioner Benedicto? Here. Commissioner Elias is in route. Vice President Techie. Here. Vice President Techie present and Commissioner Clay is present. Also with us tonight, we have Director of DPA, Paul Henderson, as well as Chief of Police, Derek Liu. All right. Thank you, Sergeant. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Here we are to the July 8th meeting, Commission meeting. We're going to begin with the first matter of order. Line item one, weekly officer recognition certificate. Presentation of an officer who has gone above and beyond in the performance of their duties. Officer Gerald Bernal, star number 2060 of the San Francisco Airport Bureau. I know some of you have come down to the airport, so I know you guys are coming around, so please come and see us at the airport. Based on his outstanding service to a member of the public at the San Francisco International Airport on May 31st, 2026. On that day, a traveler arriving from an international flight discovered that her, that she had accidentally left the bag containing approximately $400 worth of essential medication at another terminal. Having been awake for more than 31 hours and facing an eminent connection. She was understandably overwhelmed, frustrated, and concerned that the medication will be lost. After contacting the airport police through the courtesy phone, Officer Bernal promptly responded and calmly listened to the traveler concerns. Using the limited information provided, Officer Bernal quickly assessed the situation, determined the likely location of the mission medication, and immediately took action. Despite the time constraint, excuse me, despite the time constraints and the complexity of navigating multiple terminals. Officer Burnell personally responded to the area, located the mission medication, and returned it to the traveler before the departure of her connecting flight. His efforts not only recovered valuable medication but also revealed significant stress, relief, significant stress and anxiety for the traveler and her family. The traveler later submitted a letter of commendation describing Officer Bernal's professionalism, kind, patient, and compassionate. She expressed immense gratitude for his determination and dedication, noting that she had all but given up hope of recovering the medication before Officer Burnell arrived with their recovered property in hand. One interaction at a time. Officer Bernal's action reflects the highest standards of the San Francisco Police Department. His commitment to public service, problem solving, ability, ingenuity concern for the well-being of others, exemplifies the professionalism and compassion we strive to provide to all who visit San Francisco and the San Francisco International Airport. It is my honor to recognize Officer Bernal as this week officer of the week. Officer Bernal, I know earlier you say, you know, this is what we do every single day, and he's right. That's what officers, not only at the airport, San Francisco. We do it every single day. Unfortunately, you know, no reports done, we just go on to our next call and it's assignment. But that's pretty much the benchmark while our officers. And then we talk to them, and it goes, Cat, what are you talking about? That's what we do every single day.
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