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SFPD review finds multiple officers linked to racist, homophobic texts; commission, OCC to review discipline
Summary
The chief told the Police Commission that roughly 14 officers were identified in a review of text messages tied to a former sergeant; five have been reassigned pending administrative investigations and the Office of Citizen Complaints will participate in further review. The commission voted to disclose some closed-session discussion and will adjudicate any discipline that exceeds the chief’s authority.
The San Francisco Police Department is reviewing dozens of officers after a post‑criminal‑case probe found multiple members exchanged racist and homophobic messages, the chief told the Police Commission at its March 25 meeting at Park Station. The chief said about 14 members were identified for further examination, with five officers reassigned to positions without public contact while administrative inquiries proceed.
Joyce Hicks, director of the San Francisco Office of Citizen Complaints, told commissioners that OCC investigators have subpoena power and conduct independent interviews, site visits and evidence reviews as part of misconduct investigations. "We conduct our investigation to find out what happened. We follow the evidence," Hicks said in her presentation of OCC functions and caseload data.
Why it matters: The commission adjudicates discipline when the chief seeks penalties greater than a 10‑day suspension; the OCC's independent review shapes whether allegations are sustained and what discipline the department imposes or forwards to the commission.
The chief described the review as triggered after the criminal prosecution of former Sergeant Ian Ferringer concluded. "We reviewed literally thousands of text messages that came to us after the criminal prosecution was completed," he said, and added he anticipates recommending termination for members whose conduct the administrative review finds incompatible with police service.
Members of the public pressed the department and political leaders to move quickly. "The deafening silence from our politicians can only be attributed to their fear of the San Francisco Police Officers Association," said public speaker Daniel Pais, referencing broader public frustration over the timing of departmental action.
The commission also held a closed session on related personnel matters and then voted in open session to disclose at least some of the closed‑session discussion under San Francisco Administrative Code section 6.7.12(a). The motion to disclose carried.
What’s next: Cases with potential discipline beyond a 10‑day suspension will be scheduled before the commission for evidentiary hearings; the OCC said it aims to complete most investigations within nine months and, with limited exceptions, within one year so discipline can be imposed where appropriate.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to disclose closed‑session discussion under San Francisco Administrative Code section 6.7.12(a): motion carried (recorded as "Aye" in roll call). - Motion to adjourn in memory of San Jose Police Officer Michael Johnson: motion carried.
Sources: Chief’s report to the Police Commission; Joyce Hicks, director, Office of Citizen Complaints; public comment at the March 25 Police Commission meeting.
