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Families and advocates press commission for action on unsolved homicides and urge federal oversight
Summary
During public comment at the March 4 Police Commission meeting, multiple family members and community advocates demanded more resources to solve recent homicides, asked for reward funds and urged consideration of Department of Justice oversight; commissioners said they lack authority to award funds and will connect families with city offices.
Several family members and community advocates used the March 4 Police Commission meeting to press for action on a string of unsolved homicides and to urge a stronger response from city and federal authorities.
Salah Haquea Chandler, mother of a recent homicide victim, told commissioners she believed authorities know who killed her son but that witnesses have not come forward; she asked the commission to help secure reward monies and to amplify efforts to obtain cooperation. "They do know who killed my son. However, we need some witnesses to step up," she said.
Colette Brown, who displayed photos of her murdered son, described the sustained emotional toll of an unsolved case and said she would continue to appear before the commission until the case is solved. Andrew King and other speakers urged more investigative resources and, in some comments, federal involvement.
Community advocate Daniel Mohammed referenced a Department of Justice civil pattern-and-practice conclusion in Cleveland and argued the San Francisco Police Department should welcome federal oversight, saying local political dynamics can inhibit internal reform. "We need federal government to step in," Mohammed said. Commissioners acknowledged community frustration but noted the commission and SFPD have limited authority to provide reward funds or prosecute cases.
Commissioner Julius Terman and others told families the commission does not control reward programs or prosecutorial decisions, but said they would work to connect families with the mayor's office and other departments that could assist. The commission also provided an anonymous tip line (575-4444) and noted a previously posted $250,000 reward in one case; officials urged anyone with information to call.
The exchange highlighted a recurring theme at the meeting: while redistricting dominated the formal agenda, public commenters used the forum to demand resources, clarity and accountability for violent-crime investigations. Commissioners and staff said they would relay concerns to city offices and the mayor’s staff and pursue better interagency follow-up where appropriate.
Next step: commissioners and staff indicated they would connect families with Paul Henderson in the mayor’s office and other relevant departments to explore reward or investigatory supports and continue to press for community-informed solutions.
