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Advocates press commission to reinstate language protecting sex workers; chief says he will continue discussions
Summary
Multiple speakers from sex-worker advocacy groups urged the commission to restore policy language explicitly prohibiting law-enforcement sexual misconduct and protecting sex workers from retaliation. Chief Scott said he disagrees with some of the language but has invited advocates to continue discussions toward an acceptable departmental protocol.
During public comment the commission heard repeated appeals from sex-worker advocacy organizations and victim-advocate speakers urging the San Francisco Police Department and commission to adopt explicit language protecting sex workers from police coercion and misconduct.
Aria Syed, policy director of St. James Infirmary, asked the commission to consider a proposed immunity policy that would allow sex workers to report crimes against them without fear of consequences and to prohibit officers from engaging in sexual activity with people they encounter in enforcement contexts. Rachel West of the US Prostitutes Collective described a pattern of abuse and urged the commission to insist the department reinsert language that would specifically hold officers accountable.
Chief William Scott responded that he is willing to meet with advocates and that the department is engaged in a sincere effort to find a mutually agreeable solution. Scott said he disagreed with some of the proposed language but acknowledged the discussions have been ongoing for more than two years and expressed a willingness to continue talks.
Speakers cited research and survey data from UCSF and St. James Infirmary showing a measurable incidence of abusive behavior toward sex workers in San Francisco and urged the commission to press the department for stronger, explicit protections and accountability measures.
The commission did not take action on the unagendized topic at the meeting but asked the chief to report back if the department proposes a general order or protocol for commission review.
