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Police commission moves into closed session after public criticism over transparency
Summary
Public speakers accused the commission of violating the Sunshine Ordinance and of obstructing public comment; commissioners then voted to move into closed session for disciplinary matters and later approved a non-disclosure decision for the items to be discussed.
The San Francisco Police Commission on Sept. 19 voted to move into closed session to discuss confidential police-disciplinary matters and pending litigation after extended public comment criticizing the commission's transparency.
Several public speakers, including Ray Hart of San Francisco Open Government, accused commissioners and staff of failing to provide legally required documents and of rearranging the agenda to limit public participation. Hart read an order of determination and said promised documents had not been posted, calling the commission's conduct "disgraceful." Another speaker from the Occupy movement asked whether the city would engage the movement diplomatically and requested a liaison relationship.
After public comment, a commissioner made a motion to enter closed session for attorney–client privileged matters and pending litigation; the motion was seconded and carried. The commission then voted on a motion not to disclose details regarding the disciplinary matter and any settlement; commissioners recorded affirmative votes in favor of non-disclosure.
Votes at a glance: Move into closed session — Motion moved and seconded; voice vote recorded as "Aye," motion carried. Non-disclosure (not to disclose disciplinary/settlement details) — Motion moved, seconded and approved by recorded "Aye" votes.
The meeting then proceeded to closed session; no additional public action was taken on the confidential items in the publicly aired portion of the meeting.
