OCC director reports 727 complaints in 2013; mediation used in 59 cases

Joyce Hicks, director of San Francisco’s Office of Citizen Complaints, presented the OCC's 2013 activity to the Police Commission on Aug. 6, describing the office's investigative process, staffing and key performance figures.

Hicks said the OCC is an independent civilian oversight body that receives and investigates complaints against police officers. “In 2013, the OCC received 727 complaints,” she said, adding that the OCC aims to complete investigations within nine months and generally must complete cases within one year. She reported that OCC sustained allegations in about 6% of closed cases and that the office facilitated 59 mediations, representing 8% of the 722 cases closed that year.

Hicks outlined OCC procedures: interviewing complainants and involved officers, subpoena power to compel evidence, on-site visits and use of video and documentary materials where available. She said the OCC staff is 35 budgeted employees, mostly investigators, supplemented by attorneys and support staff, and noted the office provides interpretation in multiple languages and conducts outreach to community boards.

Hicks provided demographic breakdowns of complainants: about 28% African American, 30% white, 12% Latino, 6% Asian American and other categories; she also noted 19% declined to state race. She said mediation is voluntary and uses independent mediators to foster dispute resolution as an alternative to discipline.

Commissioners thanked Hicks for the overview and noted mediation and investigation timelines as important performance metrics. The OCC director pointed audience members to the OCC website for more information and to the office's intake options.