Board holds update on DOJ reform work for SFPD; chief says most recommendations near completion, community presses for per‑capita disparity data

The Board of Supervisors convened as a committee of the whole on Jan. 26 for a public hearing on the status of implementing the United States Department of Justice recommendations for the San Francisco Police Department.

Supervisor Walton opened by asking how the department plans to address continuing racial disparities in stops, arrests and uses of force. "Why has the San Francisco Police Department not been able to address the racial disparity?" he asked. The question framed the hearing: community leaders and many supervisors sought per‑capita, multiyear data showing whether outcomes for Black residents are improving.

Chief William Scott said the reform work — begun in 2016 and continued under a memorandum with the California Department of Justice — is showing accelerating progress. "This collaborative reform…is based on technical assistance that's designed to assess, monitor, and assist our police department in collaboration with the community in implementing and sustainment of reforms that increase public trust," Scott told the board.

Status and timeline: Chief Scott and department staff said they have completed, submitted for review, or otherwise advanced a large share of the 272 recommendations. Chief Scott gave this…