Board of Supervisors orders charter amendment on police minimum staffing to ballot after heated debate

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 6–5 on Nov. 28 to submit a charter amendment to the ballot that would define “full‑duty sworn officers,” set a minimum police staffing level in the city charter and require a future certification of sufficient voter‑approved revenue before mandatory funding provisions take effect.

Sponsor Supervisor Asha Safaie framed the measure as a response to a growing public safety concern and San Francisco’s budget shortfall. “This measure has evolved in a way that I think is healthy in terms of what debate we need to have in San Francisco,” Safaie said, noting the city faces an ongoing budget deficit and shortages across multiple first‑responder roles.

The amendment, as presented, would (a) define a “full funding date” that the city controller must certify after voters approve a tax measure generating sufficient revenue, and (b) once that date is reached, require set‑aside funding for recruitment, hiring bonuses and minimum staffing levels. Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson explained…