San Francisco Police Commission Meeting: DGO 10.12 Advanced

The San Francisco Police Commission held a regular meeting on October 14, 2026. The meeting included general public comment, reports from the Chief of Police and the Director of the Department of Police Accountability (DPA), and a consent calendar item. The primary focus was the discussion and vote on revised Department General Order (DGO) 10.12, concerning the San Francisco Police Department's (SFPD) use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). After extensive public testimony and commissioner debate, the Commission voted 5-1 to advance the policy to the required meet and confer process with affected bargaining units.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously voted 6-0 to receive and file the Language Access Annual Report for 2025 through 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A significant portion of public comment centered on unsolved homicides, police brutality, and community distrust of the SFPD. A mother of a murdered child displayed images of victims, expressing frustration over the lack of arrests. Other speakers criticized the SFPD's handling of the Kevan Gibson incident and a recent death during an arrest.
• Numerous speakers opposed the drone policy, citing concerns over the erosion of civil liberties, privacy violations, the potential for data sharing with federal agencies like ICE, and the connection of drone manufacturer SkyDio to human rights abuses in Palestine and the Philippines. Several callers identified themselves as members of organizations such as DFLOC, SF State student groups, and the League of Women Voters, advocating for a working group and a delay in the vote.
• Speakers in support of the policy, including representatives from Stop Crime Action and the Hotel Council of San Francisco, argued that drones are a valuable public safety tool that has contributed to recent crime reductions and that the policy provides necessary safeguards.

Chief's Report and DPA Director's Report

• Chief of Police Liu reported an 18% decline in Part 1 crimes and a 5% reduction in homicides year-to-date compared to 2025. The Chief addressed a recent officer-involved shooting, noting that an independent investigation was underway. The Chief also announced the tragic passing of retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, and the Commission held a moment of silence. Items 7 and 8 (DGOs 5.14 and 8.11) were removed from the agenda.
• DPA Director Anderson reported that the department was authorized to hire two new investigators. He announced a redesigned weekly activity report with improved graphics and translation capabilities, set to launch later in the month. During the reporting period, DPA opened 11 cases and closed 40, with the most common allegation being unnecessary or excessive force.

Discussion and Action on DGO 10.12 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

• Policy Director Aja Steves presented the revised DGO, which was developed following Prop E (2024), a Board of Supervisors approved policy, and a public feedback process. The department analyzed 63 oral and written comments. The key revision is the expansion of community outreach as a standalone use, along with additional restrictions on harassment, monitoring protected classes, and creating a prohibition on general surveillance.
• Commissioner Benedicto proposed several amendments to further narrow the policy. These included tighter definitions for "general surveillance," specific language to protect the privacy of uninvolved citizens (modeled after the San Diego police department), and requiring consistency with First Amendment activity protocols. He argued these were necessary to ensure the policy was not just broad language but offered concrete protections.
• Commissioner Leong and other commissioners pushed back on the amendments, arguing they introduced ambiguity that would be difficult for officers to follow in the field and could create discipline challenges. Commissioner Lowe raised concerns about data security and third-party access.
• President Clay delivered a closing statement emphasizing that the policy is an initial step in a multi-stage process involving the SFPD, the Board of Supervisors, and the community. He stressed that the Commission is committed to accountability.

Key Outcomes

• Amendments Rejected: Commissioner Benedicto's first motion (to add "to a specific incident or event with a specific support objective" to the authorized use section) failed in a 3-3 tie. His second motion (to add consistency with DGO 8.10) failed 2-4. Two other motions (on general surveillance language and the word "primarily") failed to receive a second.
• Main Motion Passed: The Commission voted 5-1 to advance DGO 10.12 to the meet and confer process with the police officers' bargaining units. Commissioner Benedicto was the sole dissenting vote. The policy will later go to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.