Mayor Lohrey announces Chief Bill Scott will leave; Paul Yip named interim police chief

Mayor Daniel Lohrey told the Police Commission that Chief Bill Scott will depart the San Francisco Police Department to accept another policing job and that Paul Yip will serve as interim police chief.

Lohrey said the department has “kept our eye on the ball” and credited Scott with reducing crime and implementing reforms during his eight-year tenure. “Over the past 8 years, he has become the longest serving chief in SFPD history,” the mayor said, and added the city will work with the Police Commission to start a search for a permanent chief.

Scott addressed the commission and confirmed he will retire from SFPD to pursue the new opportunity. He listed department accomplishments during his tenure, including lower homicides, reduced gun violence in targeted areas and declines in property crime and auto burglaries. “Serving as the chief of police of this great city for the past 8 years has been truly an honor,” Scott said.

The mayor announced Paul Yip, who has worked in city government as public safety chief and previously served in the department as commander and as chief of staff overseeing risk management, will return to SFPD on Monday as interim chief. Lohrey said Yip will work with Scott and the department leadership to manage the transition.

Commissioners and members of the public offered praise to Scott during the public meeting, noting reforms completed under his leadership and his role in rebuilding morale. The mayor said the city will continue to pursue crime-reduction and accountability efforts during the transition.

The city and commission did not announce a timeline for the permanent chief search beyond saying they would begin the process with the Police Commission. No personnel details about Scott’s next employer beyond “a new opportunity” were disclosed during the meeting.