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Board adopts ordinance requiring SFPD reporting on joint terrorism task force activity
Summary
After public advocacy and remarks from Supervisors, the Board voted to finalize an ordinance amending the administrative code to require police reporting and local-law compliance for San Francisco Police Department participation in federal counterterrorism activities.
The Board of Supervisors voted to finally pass an ordinance amending the administrative code to govern San Francisco Police Department participation in federal counterterrorism activities and to require clearer reporting to the public and oversight bodies.
Supervisor Kim, speaking at length before the vote, described the ordinance as historic and said San Francisco will be just the second U.S. city to mandate that local law enforcement adhere to local laws and produce public reports when participating with the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Kim said community testimony—particularly from Arabic, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian constituencies—drove the policy and that the measure balances public-safety cooperation with civil‑liberties protections.
Nut graf: The ordinance allows SFPD to continue participating in joint terrorism work with federal partners but requires written agreements and reporting that increase transparency for the public and the Police Commission.
Board action and vote: The ordinance (Item 10) was called for final passage and passed by roll call. The clerk recorded 11 ayes and the mayor was invited to sign the ordinance at a ceremonial signing the next day.
What the ordinance does (as described at the meeting) - Requires that SFPD’s joint activities with federal counterterrorism entities be conducted within the framework of local and state law and be subject to reporting to the public and the Police Commission. - Seeks to ensure that the public and Police Commission will be informed when SFPD enters into agreements with the FBI and when officers work with the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Quotes - "This legislation accomplishes what our office and the community set out to accomplish… It will ensure that the public will know when our police departments enter into an agreement with the FBI," Supervisor Kim said during remarks before the final vote.
Context and next steps - Supervisor Kim invited colleagues and community members to an official signing the following day. The clerk called the roll after the public remarks and recorded 11 ayes.
Speakers quoted in this article were drawn from the meeting transcript and appear in the speakers list below.
