The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding financial oversight and accountability within the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and its grant agreements with SF Safe, a nonprofit organization. The meeting was prompted by a recent report revealing troubling financial practices, which have now led to a criminal investigation by the district attorney's office.
During the meeting, officials acknowledged the need to limit discussions to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation. The primary focus was on an audit of the SFPD's internal financial controls and the management of approximately $5.3 million in grants awarded to SF Safe from 2018 to 2023. The audit revealed that a staggering $3.8 million, or 72% of the funds, lacked proper documentation to support expenditures, raising serious questions about financial accountability.
Mark Dela Rosa, the director of audits for the controller's office, presented findings from the audit, which covered a nine-month period from July 2022 to March 2023. The assessment highlighted that SF Safe had spent over $79,000 on ineligible or excessive expenses, including luxury gift boxes and high-cost travel arrangements. Notably, the SFPD had not conducted regular reviews of supporting documentation since 2019, which contributed to the lack of oversight.
The meeting also addressed the competitive bidding process for the grant, confirming that SF Safe was the only proposer for the initial grant agreement. However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of the review process for expenditures, with recommendations made for the SFPD to recover any incorrectly paid amounts.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for improved financial oversight within the SFPD and the importance of adhering to grant provisions. The district attorney's ongoing investigation adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as officials prepare to revisit these issues in the coming months. The next steps will involve further scrutiny of the financial practices and a commitment to ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.