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Board advances police union contract in first reading after hours of debate
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved on first reading an ordinance implementing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Police Officers Association after extended debate over public safety priorities and city budget trade-offs. The vote was 10–1.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved on first reading an ordinance implementing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the Police Officers Association, a measure supporters said is aimed at keeping officer recruitment and retention competitive and critics warned diverts funds from prevention programs.
The measure, described by staff as implementing an MOU between the city and the Police Officers Association and subject to final drafting by the city attorney, was approved by roll call 10 to 1. Supervisor Daly cast the lone no vote.
Supporters said the MOU is intended to make San Francisco more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and to reassure residents that the city is prioritizing public safety. "A vote for this charter amendment, I believe, signals that public safety is a priority in the city," a supervisor said during debate, adding the measure would help recruit officers as ranks are depleted by retirements and other losses.
Opponents urged caution about the allocation of finite budget dollars. "Moving forward with this measure to fund law enforcement at the expense of preventative programs ... is not the right message," Supervisor Daley said, announcing he would vote no. Several other supervisors said they supported the contract but raised concerns about maintaining balance between policing and prevention programs.
Members of the board and public commenters also criticized the tone of the committee hearing that preceded the item, with multiple supervisors thanking the Committee on Public Safety for holding the hearing but noting the proceedings sometimes featured personal attacks. "There still is not that kind of discussion ... about the kind of police protocols, community policing strategies ... that should be held accountable," Supervisor Mercurini said.
Madam Clerk conducted a roll call after debate. The clerk recorded 10 ayes and 1 no; the board's action advanced the ordinance on first reading. The ordinance will return for the second reading and final adoption following the city's normal legislative process.
The board additionally discussed that the budget committee has been working to restore some mayoral cuts to prevention programs; several supervisors said they expect that negotiation to continue alongside implementation of the MOU.
