Amidst the search for the San Francisco Police Department’s new police chief, consultants relayed community demands for integrity, accountability, action against crime, and strong knowledge of San Francisco in the next chief at a Police Commission meeting on Oct. 8.
The report, commissioned by consulting firm Ralph Andersen & Associates, consisted of 227 formal survey responses, notes from 10 community meetings, and emails. Results underscored calls for crime reduction and enforcement of drug offenses. In a new police chief, participants most commonly prioritize an understanding of San Francisco, backed with experience leading a police force in a large, diverse city — ideally, San Francisco itself.
Interim police chief Paul Yep has served in the role since May, when former chief Bill Scott, who had served for eight years, resigned to take a new job leading the Los Angeles Metro police force. Mayor Daniel Lurie is expected to select a new chief for San Francisco by the end of the year, although a list of candidates has not been announced yet. Despite speculation, Interim Chief Yep will not be seeking the position.
According to a senior consultant at Ralph Andersen & Associates, Daniel Hahn, community presence was strong at meetings. Around 20–40 people attended each meeting, including linguistic translators.
“Don’t walk to our neighborhood, run to our neighborhood.”
— Daniel Hahn, consultant
“The translators were very busy,” Hahn said. “People were not shy about providing their input.”
Throughout the meetings, community members commonly called for an innovative, transparent problem solver with strong communication and collaboration skills. They also noted that an understanding of behavioral health was essential for a police chief in addressing drug and homelessness issues.
Respondents emphasized crime prevention and, most important, community engagement.
“Don’t walk to our neighborhood, run to our neighborhood,” Hahn said, echoing a meeting participant’s statement.
The survey results presented to the Police Commission echoed similar priorities, calling for experience in crisis management, managing change, San Francisco-specific technology, and a track record of reducing crime.
Though not mentioned at the Police Commission meeting, many responses in the report called for removing DEI priorities from the search, claiming that the previous leadership was too focused on diversity and reform, hindering policing outcomes. Other responses called for greater understanding of Asian communities and clarification on the connection between SPFD and ICE.
According to the report, 36 percent of respondents feel “somewhat unsafe,” with 15 percent feeling “very unsafe” in the city.
In summary, respondents want San Francisco’s next police chief to balance integrity and transparency in public safety and drug policy within a police department built on community partnerships and collaboration to win the people’s approval.
The Police Commission will hold special meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 14 and 15, to accept public comment on the search.
