Chief reports lower homicides and new academy class; commissioners press for youth outreach

At the Jan. 7 Police Commission meeting the Chief of Police reported that 2014 saw 45 or fewer homicides in San Francisco — the second time in 50 years the city recorded that low a number — and that the city recorded fewer than 200 nonfatal shootings for the fourth time in five years. The chief said the department accomplished this while operating with about 300 fewer sworn officers than in prior years.

The chief briefed commissioners on several arrests made during the holiday period and said two officer-involved shootings occurred the prior weekend; one discharge did not strike anyone and both incidents are under department review. The officers involved are on paid administrative leave per protocol.

The department graduated 45 academy recruits on the previous Friday and on Jan. 5 began a new class of 50 recruits; the chief said six recruits in the incoming class are African American. Commissioners praised the department's outreach efforts — including youth programs, summer-employment placements and volunteer work — and asked the chief to present a fuller briefing on youth activities at a future meeting so the Commission can track and publicize the programs.

Commissioners and public commenters raised concerns about demographics in recruit classes and asked the department to increase transparency on the makeup of training cohorts. The chief said staff would provide current numbers and work with community groups and the Youth Commission to publicize summer-employment opportunities.

The chief also referenced recent events in New York City and said the department had sent officers to memorial events for fallen officers.