The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted a significant labor agreement between the city and the Police Officers Association (POA), aimed at addressing critical staffing challenges within the San Francisco Police Department. The agreement, which has already been ratified by the POA membership, seeks to stabilize the police workforce and enhance recruitment efforts amid a competitive hiring landscape.

During the meeting, Employee Relations Director Artis Graham presented the details of the tentative agreement, which includes a 10.75% wage increase over three years and a retention pay incentive designed to encourage officers to remain with the department longer. This retention pay targets officers at five, seven, and eight years of service, addressing a concerning trend of resignations that have plagued the department in recent years.

The police department's staffing levels have seen a notable decline, dropping from over 2,065 officers at the beginning of 2022 to just 1,906 by year-end. This loss is attributed to both retirements and an unusually high number of resignations, which have raised alarms about the department's ability to maintain adequate public safety services. The city aims to position itself as a more attractive employer in the law enforcement sector, especially as neighboring jurisdictions offer competitive compensation packages.

The financial implications of the agreement are substantial, with projected costs of $25 million in the first year, escalating to $84 million by the third year. The city is also implementing measures to ensure that any increases in compensation are sustainable, with provisions to delay raises if the city faces significant budget deficits.

This agreement is seen as a proactive step towards rebuilding the police force and ensuring that San Francisco can effectively respond to public safety needs. As the city navigates these changes, the focus remains on creating a stable and well-compensated workforce that can meet the challenges of modern policing. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing discussions about the future of public safety in San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between city officials and law enforcement representatives.