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OCC reports fewer complaints year‑to‑date; public commenters spar over police conduct and press coverage
Summary
The Office of Citizen Complaints reported a roughly 20% year‑over‑year decline in complaints through April and increased mediation activity; in public comment residents voiced both support for police and sharp criticism of union leaders and media coverage of officer conduct.
The Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC) told the Commission that complaint filings through April 30 totaled 260 in 2011 versus 328 in the same period in 2010 — a decline the OCC director described as approximately 20% year‑over‑year. Director Joyce Hicks reported that 72 complaints were filed in April, 282 cases were closed during the period and 403 remained pending as of April 30; 21 cases (7% of closed cases) were sustained, and OCC mediation increased to 26 sessions in 2011 from 7 the prior year.
Commissioners pressed Hicks on accounting discrepancies between opened, closed and pending case counts; Hicks said she would follow up to reconcile figures and reiterated OCC outreach efforts including public service announcements. Commissioner Jane Slaughter said the numbers were “strikingly good news” but cautioned that the Commission must continue outreach and language access so residents can file complaints if needed.
Public comment that preceded and followed the reports was sharply divided. One commenter defending Public Defender Jeff Adachi accused Gary Delaney, president of the Police Officers Association, of past misconduct and labeled him a “dirty cop,” while another commenter (a POA representative) said the union would pursue legal recourse against individuals who make false claims at public meetings. Other public speakers urged protections for witnesses in serious cases and criticized or praised the department’s handling of particular incidents.
Why it matters: OCC statistics are a leading oversight metric for civilian‑police interactions; a sustained decline could indicate improved conduct, reduced reporting or other reporting changes. The public comments illustrate a polarized local debate over policing, union responses and the role of video and media coverage in accountability.
Quotes: “In April, 72 complaints were filed with the OCC and through April 30, year to date 260 complaints had been filed,” Director Joyce Hicks said. A public commenter said of union leadership, “Any cop that violates their oath to uphold the law is a dirty cop,” naming Gary Delaney.
Provenance: OCC report presented at SEG 722–754; public comment on these topics occurred in the public comment period across SEG 146–224 and later exchanges.
Sources and next steps: Director Hicks said she will provide the May comprehensive statistical report in two weeks and will follow up on numeric discrepancies commissioner questions raised during the meeting.
