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Public commenters press commission on unsolved homicides and tenant safety in Tenderloin
Summary
Several public commenters urged the commission to address unsolved homicides, stronger homicide investigations, and tenant safety protocols; one family member said investigators had not been assigned to her son's case and asked for help finding witnesses and closure.
During general public comment the commission heard multiple appeals on unresolved homicides and building-safety problems in high-need neighborhoods.
Paulette Brown told the commission she has 'no investigator' assigned to her son's homicide, said she knows the names of suspects contained in the department file and pleaded for closure.
'I still have no investigator... I just want justice, and I'm tired,' Brown said, adding the anniversary of her son's death was approaching.
Chief Gregory Pease responded later in the chief's report that the department has had many conversations with Brown, that detectives are actively seeking witnesses, and that although suspects may be known, the department lacks physical or technical evidence in the case.
Other commenters described a building in the Folsom/Tenderloin area where tenants say a landlord discourages calling police, threatens eviction and uses excessive inspections; one tenant requested that the commission and OCC develop a publicized protocol for tenants on how to report suspicious activity safely and avoid retaliation.
A separate speaker urged the commission to publicize the department's work more widely, saying strong outreach and Q&A sessions would boost public participation in safety programs.
The commission did not take action on the public comments but commissioners acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to follow up where appropriate, including identifying homicide assignments and exploring data on unsolved cases for a ten-year period.
