Statement: Police Commission Appointment Process

Statement by Supervisor Joel Engardio
San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting
January 10, 2023

Police Commission Appointment Process

I am being asked to vote today on an appointment to the Police Commission, which is one of the most important commissions in our city.

The residents of the Sunset in my district care very much about public safety. They care about the ability of the police to do their job well and at the highest standard. As do residents in every district of San Francisco. 

The police commission has a big say in how police can and cannot do their job, so we must take appointments very seriously.

This appointment is not due until April. I don’t understand why we have to vote on it now. 

Part of the process for this vote happened in the weeks before I took my seat at the Board of Supervisors. 

Since we have until April, why can’t we go through the process of this important appointment with our newly formed board?

Deferring this matter for a month or two will not impact the continued function of the commission. I don’t see any reason to rush this appointment.

I want to be clear that my desire to take more time on this appointment has nothing to do with Cindy Elias. I met her for the first time yesterday. We had a good conversation and agreed on many points.

We agreed that traffic stops for minor things like a missing front license plate should not be used to profile and search people. We also agreed there is a difference between driving without a front plate and no plates at all. Police should be able to stop people with no plates.

We agreed we want police to focus on the most dangerous drivers going through red lights and stop signs. 

I believe commissioners on a body as important as the police commission needs to have a diversity of views and experiences to best address complex issues. 

Cindy Elias brings important views and experiences. From our brief meeting, she was impressive in her knowledge of the issues. She may very well be the best candidate for this position.

But process is important. Good governance and transparency are important.

The residents of San Francisco are watching. They know things aren’t working well. They want us to do better as a board. 

This is an opportunity to show residents that we are willing to do the process right and not rush something through.

It also allows for others in the community who might want to serve on the police commission to put in their application. I’m sure there are residents in the Sunset who would like the opportunity. 

Again, Cindy Elias may end up the best person for the job. But let’s do a full process where I can be involved as a new member of this board.

Therefore, colleagues, I respectfully move to send this matter back to committee for further consideration.