Board renews Pretrial Diversion Project contract amid concerns over performance metrics

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on June 15 approved a three-year contract for pretrial services with the Pretrial Diversion Project Inc., with a vote of 9 in favor and 1 opposed.

Supervisor Hillary Ronan and other supporters said the Pretrial Diversion Project has been an important partner in diversion and justice reform work. Supervisor Connie Chan and others emphasized the program27s long record and adaptability. The motion passed following discussion and additional reporting commitments from the sheriff's office and the contractor.

Supervisor Ahsha Safaie said his office had recent calls with the contractor and expressed support for renewal, thanking the nonprofit for adapting its metrics and practices. In a dissent, Supervisor Shamann Stephanie (recorded as voting no) said she had lingering concerns about how the program calculates and reports safety and appearance rates and that a comprehensive evaluation by the California Policy Lab was due in about two weeks. "I personally don't feel comfortable right now voting in favor of this item until at least I've had a chance to see the report from the California Policy Lab," Stephanie said at the hearing.

Sheriff27s staff and contract managers said they had added new reporting requirements and metrics in response to questions raised during committee hearings.

Actions: The recorded roll-call vote was 9 ayes, 1 no (Supervisor Stephanie), and the resolution was adopted.

Ending: The board approved the contract renewal but several supervisors asked for further transparency and follow-up after the California Policy Lab evaluation becomes available.