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San Francisco police oversight office faces proposed layoffs; staff and commissioners urge restoration
Summary
Employees of the Department of Police Accountability told the Police Commission that proposed layoffs and budget cuts would harm investigations, legal work and public-facing services; Executive Director Paul Henderson said negotiations with the mayor’s office are ongoing.
San Francisco — Employees of the city’s Department of Police Accountability urged the Police Commission on July 9 to press the mayor and Board of Supervisors to restore funding after notices were issued that could result in layoffs.
At a packed commission meeting, multiple senior investigators and staff from the DPA described the effect the proposed cuts would have on ongoing investigations, timely disclosures and the office’s ability to meet legally mandated timelines. Executive Director Paul Henderson said the office has seen a 24% increase in caseloads compared with last year and that negotiations over the budget are ongoing.
The concerns were raised during the public-comment period by employees who identified themselves as DPA investigators. “It is unfair and upsetting that his career and livelihood have been jeopardized through no fault of his own,” senior investigator Chris Chisnall said, speaking in support of a colleague who faces a layoff. “If the cuts to the DPA are implemented, I fear it will send a poor message that the city wants less fair and less impartial investigations.”
Ally Schulteis, who said she runs the DPA mediation unit and is a senior investigator, told the commission that a colleague who has been a permanent civil servant for nine years faces a proposed layoff. “He is an integral part of our DPA team,” she said. “It does not make sense to me that a permanent civil servant working in our department’s core function would be cut.”
Union representation for DPA investigators also addressed the commission. Investigator and SEIU shop steward Vince Vila said the unit has 12 investigators handling complaints for SFPD and the sheriff’s office and warned that further cuts would risk the office’s ability to meet timelines. “The people of San Francisco deserve to have a fully staffed department to investigate on their behalf,” Vila said.
Henderson told commissioners the DPA has more cases this year than in 2023 or 2024 and that, at the time of the meeting, 10 investigations had exceeded the 270-day requirement. “The proposed impact would be vast and severe,” Henderson said of the notices. “People wear multiple hats. At this point, any cut at all from where we are right now would result in…cases taking longer.”
Commissioners pressed for additional information and urged DPA leadership to communicate frequently with staff. Commissioner Benedicto and others acknowledged the public comments and said they would follow developments. President Clay asked Chief Yap to report back next week on any personnel notices in SFPD’s civilian ranks so the commission could better compare agency impacts.
Why it matters: The DPA is the city’s civilian oversight agency for policing complaints. Staff reductions to investigators, legal counsel or administrative support would affect the agency’s ability to investigate complaints, make disciplinary recommendations and meet disclosure obligations that inform the public and commission oversight.
Details and scope: Speakers from DPA described the internal consequences of notices and said administrative support has already been cut to “bare bones.” Investigators said the unit is managing growing caseloads across all districts and that some functions — including work related to incarcerated-person complaints and statutory disclosure obligations — depend on positions now at risk.
The commission did not take a formal vote on DPA’s budget during the meeting. Henderson said his office is continuing negotiations with the mayor’s office and the Board of Supervisors and will update the commission when there is a resolution.
A community member whose son, identified in public comment only as Aubrey Abarcasa, urged the commission to support unsolved-homicide investigations and encouraged the department to use the anonymous tip line (415-575-4444) for information about unsolved cases.
Ending: Commissioners and the DPA agreed to continue discussions and public reporting as budget negotiations proceed. Henderson said he will inform staff and the commission as soon as there are confirmed assurances from the mayor’s office and the Board of Supervisors.
