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Office of Citizen Complaints reports 727 complaints last year; misconduct findings at about 6%
Summary
Joyce Hicks, director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, told the Police Commission the OCC received 727 complaints last year, conducted 59 mediations and found misconduct in about 6% of closed cases; the office aims to complete investigations in nine months where possible.
Joyce Hicks, director of the San Francisco Office of Citizen Complaints, told the Police Commission on Sept. 24 that the civilian oversight agency received 727 complaints in the prior year and closed 722 cases, with mediations used in 59 cases.
"Last year, the OCC received 727 complaints," Hicks said. She described the OCC as "the third largest civilian oversight of law enforcement agency in The United States," noting the office was created by a board‑sponsored charter amendment in 1982 and became operational in 1983.
Hicks described OCC procedures and limits: investigators obtain evidence through interviews, document review and site visits and the office has subpoena power. The OCC aims to complete investigations within nine months; California law generally requires completion within one year unless exceptions apply. Hicks said the OCC uses a preponderance‑of‑the‑evidence standard and forwards findings to the police chief for discipline when warranted.
On outcomes, Hicks said misconduct was found in about 6% of closed cases, proper conduct in 25% and 2% of allegations were unfounded. She provided a demographic breakdown of complainants and said the OCC staff of about 35 investigators includes investigators and attorneys and offers interpretation services in several languages.
Hicks encouraged complainants to use mediation when appropriate; she said mediation is voluntary and that 87% of eligible officers agreed to mediate when offered.
The director closed by giving the OCC’s location (Seventh Floor, 25 Van Ness Ave.) and explaining how residents can file complaints (in person, by phone, online, mail or fax).
