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Public commenters press OCC separation and complaint transparency; OCC director reports two sustained findings
Summary
Public speakers urged separation of the Office of Citizens Complaints from the Police Commission and greater transparency about officers with multiple complaints. OCC Director Hicks reported two sustained adjudications (chief concurred; admonishments) and four mediations in the period.
Public comment at the Jan. 25 Police Commission meeting included calls for structural change and transparency in police oversight. A public speaker identified as Veil told the commission she planned to file OCC complaints and urged separation of the OCC from the Police Commission, citing concerns about officers with multiple complaints. "I think the OCC is part of the problem," the speaker said, and urged the Commission and the Board of Supervisors to require the OCC to publish lists of officers with multiple complaints.
Ace Washington, another public commenter, recounted a history of confrontations with mayoral security and police detail, said he was proceeding with complaints and invited the Chief to a Northern Station community meeting.
OCC Director Hicks delivered the OCC monthly report for Nov.-Dec. 2011 and said the OCC had received two adjudication letters from the Chief in which he concurred with OCC sustained findings in two cases (case numbers 09711 and 008311); both officers were admonished. Director Hicks also reported that the OCC facilitated four mediations in the month. Commissioner Chan asked why the department imposed admonishments rather than stronger discipline; Director Hicks explained that the OCC recommended chief-level discipline in both matters and outlined how the OCC and chief handle discipline options and how the OCC may file charges with the Commission if the chief declines to do so.
Why it matters: The public remarks underscore continuing community concern about accountability, transparency and oversight structure. OCC reported a low number of complaints in 2011 overall but confirmed at least two cases where the OCC's findings led to admonishments.
Next steps: The public commenter said she would file complaints with the OCC and the Board of Supervisors. The OCC will publish its annual statistical report in February and will include trends and further detail on adjudications.
