DPA reports 27% year‑to‑date rise in complaints and launches automated messages and mediation outreach

Executive Director Paul Henderson of the Department of Police Accountability told the Police Commission on Oct. 1 that DPA has opened 710 cases year to date and closed 718, and that the office has opened 152 more cases so far in 2025 than at the same point in 2024 — a 27% increase.

Henderson told the commission that much of the increase is attributable to an improved and more integrated referral system that draws from 3-1-1, and that the number of cases open this week is about 8% higher than the same time last year. He also said the most common allegation this week involved officers speaking or behaving inappropriately with the public.

Henderson said DPA remains in compliance with statutory deadlines and that, as of Sept. 26, the office had 11 cases with investigations that have taken longer than 270 days; all but one of those cases are "tolled" (paused) for valid reasons, he said. Henderson described internal reforms to improve reporting and said staff completed a full inventory of reports and data points to enable clearer reporting to the commission and public.

As part of improving complainant communications, Henderson said DPA has developed automated messages that confirm receipt of complaints, explain the process and provide a PIN for tracking. When mediation is an option, complainants will receive a separate automated message with an overview and a short explanatory video. Senior investigator Ali Scholtes was in the audience and the DPA provided contact information for complainants who want to follow up: sfgov.org/dpa and (415) 241-7711.

Henderson stated the office is “working hard to keep pace and maintain a relatively stable caseload” and that the agency is optimizing internal processes to deliver more timely and useful reporting for commissioners and community partners.