Bar Association urges academic partner as SFPD pilots data‑collection app

Julie Tron, co‑author of a Bar Association criminal justice task‑force report, told the Police Commission the group recommends an outside academic partner and a cross‑agency team to design the city’s data collection and analysis system ahead of mandatory state reporting.

"Data collection must be purposeful, meaningful, and useful," Tron said, arguing that an independent analyst increases credibility and allows the department to analyze racial disparities and operational patterns rather than just produce raw files.

Interim Chief Tony Chaplin told commissioners the department has already developed an interim phone app to meet state reporting requirements and that Ingleside will pilot the app on Oct. 1. Chaplin also reviewed crime figures included in the chief’s report: "Our homicides are down 12%… we're at 30 for the year, compared to 34 this time last year," he said, while noting shootings and some violent crime categories had different trends.

Tron and witnesses urged building a compact team that sets policy and reporting standards, ties the data to body‑worn camera footage, and contracts an outside academic to interpret results for policy use. Commissioners generally supported the recommendation while asking for clarity on budgeting, staffing, and whether the final platform would integrate legacy systems.

The commission directed staff to request further details and a one‑month update on pilot results and the plan to seek an outside academic partner. The Department of Justice’s collaborative reform team is also expected to weigh in on national best practices.