Board approves expansion of SFPD real‑time investigation center and large private gifts despite privacy objections

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on July 29 approved measures allowing the Police Department to accept private donations and to waive competitive bidding for equipment and services to expand its Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC), despite objections from two supervisors who criticized the expansion as a civil‑liberties risk.

The board adopted two ordinances that waive competitive solicitation requirements for SFPD purchases tied to RTIC and approved two related resolutions authorizing in‑kind gifts of office space and technology. The votes recorded nine ayes and two noes; Supervisors Fielder and Walton voted no on the RTIC items.

Supporters said the donations and waivers speed delivery of technology the department needs. Supervisor Reza Mahmoud (motion sponsor not involved with these items) did not speak on the floor for these items; the measures proceeded on the consent calendar after a brief request to take…