Police commission votes to keep disciplinary discussions confidential

The San Francisco Police Commission voted on June 8, 2011 not to disclose any of the discussions held in a closed session about police disciplinary matters. After convening in closed session under the Police Officers Bill of Rights and following guidance cited from the Copley decision by the California Supreme Court, the body returned to open session and the commission considered whether to reveal any portion of the closed-session conversation.

Commissioner Trisha Chan (role not specified) moved "Move not to close," a motion that was seconded and approved on a voice vote, effectively keeping the closed-session record confidential. The commission had previously voted to enter closed session on item 6, which it described as a confidential disciplinary matter, and no further details were disclosed at the meeting.

The vote followed the public comment period in which the commission invited input specifically on whether to disclose closed-session material. No public speakers urged disclosure during that window. The commission's action means any investigative or deliberative content from the closed session will remain private in accordance with state law and the commission's interpretation of applicable case law.

Procedurally, the commission first voted to enter closed session under item 5 and later, as item 7, voted to not disclose the contents of that closed session. No formal tally of individual roll-call votes was recorded in the public minutes for the disclosure motion beyond the chair calling for voices in favor.