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San Francisco Police Commission honors civilian rescuer, elects parliamentarian and votes to meet in closed session
Summary
The Police Commission presented a certificate to Jay Van Dyckman for helping subdue a man who tried to grab an officer's firearm, unanimously elected Commissioner Malera as parliamentarian (4–1, one excused), and voted to move into closed session on disciplinary matters required by state law.
A San Francisco Police Commission meeting on April 5, 2017, opened with a certificate of appreciation for Jay Van Dyckman, a traveler who intervened when an individual attempted to grab a sergeant’s firearm at the international terminal on Nov. 4, 2016. Deputy Chief Schmidt described the incident and credited Van Dyckman with helping restrain the subject until officers secured him. “He took direct action that saved our sergeant's life,” Deputy Chief Schmidt said.
After the recognition, the commission considered Item 2 to establish an official parliamentarian. Commissioner Mazuko moved to nominate Commissioner Sonia Malera, and Commissioner Marshall seconded. Commissioner Hing spoke against creating the formal post, saying the commission generally follows parliamentary rules and did not need the extra formality. The commission heard brief public comment on the nomination before voting.
In a roll-call vote, Commissioners Turman, Mizuko, Marshall and Malera voted aye; Commissioner Hing voted no; Commissioner De Jesus was excused. The motion to elect Malera passed. “Commissioner Malera is duly elected the Commission Parliamentarian,” the secretary announced after the tally.
During general public comment, members of the public raised concerns about transparency and unsolved homicides. Michael Petrelis urged the commission not to hold disciplinary matters behind closed doors and suggested the chief and the director of the Department of Police Accountability should not be seated on the dais because they are not commission members. A family member seeking attention for an unsolved homicide asked the commission and the public to share information to help solve cases.
The commission then considered whether to hold Item 6 — personnel and disciplinary matters — in closed session, citing San Francisco Administrative Code §67.1 and state law that permits certain personnel discussions to be closed. After a motion and second, the body voted in favor and recessed briefly before entering closed session.
No disciplinary findings or personnel outcomes were announced in open session; the commission limited its open-session record to the votes and the public comment urging greater transparency.
The Police Commission meeting continues to follow its agenda on other items and will report any required disclosures about its closed-session deliberations under the city’s disclosure rules.
