Board passes first reading of police MOU amid broad calls for reform and transparency

The Board of Supervisors voted 9–2 on Nov. 17 to approve on first reading a tentative memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the San Francisco Police Officers Association (POA), setting deferred raises and other contract changes while prompting sustained debate over whether the agreement could, or should, have included explicit police-reform measures.

Supporters, including several supervisors and the mayor's negotiating team, said the agreement postpones budgetary costs and preserves jobs in the short term. Opponents argued that the Department of Human Resources negotiated behind closed doors and that the contract missed an opportunity to secure side agreements tied to reforms demanded after the killings of George Floyd and others.

The measure delays wage increases due this fiscal year and provides other negotiated changes. Supervisor Ronan and Supervisor Preston said they opposed the agreement, saying it failed to require concrete reform commitments from the POA. “I have many issues with this contract before us today… I cannot support the MOU before us today,” Supervisor Ronan…