OCC reports fewer complaints but warns of staffing cuts, rising caseloads

The Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC) told the Police Commission on April 27 that complaints opened in the first quarter totaled 188, while the office closed 218 cases. OCC Director Joyce Hicks reported 16 sustained findings (about 7 percent of closures) and said the office mediated 18 cases in the quarter.

Hicks warned of staffing and budgetary pressures: the OCC closed the quarter with 12 active line investigators (down from 17 a year earlier) and recommended staffing levels in the charter were not met. She said a proposed 20 percent total budget reduction would require eliminating investigator positions and other staff, potentially cutting the mediation program and raising average caseloads per investigator — which were 27 at the end of the quarter, up from 24 the prior year.

Hicks also noted that referrals from the SFPD to the OCC had dropped substantially (she cited a 69% drop in one monthly comparison) and said she had asked command staff to issue a department bulletin reminding captains of referral obligations. On sustained allegations, the OCC reported that neglect of duty made up the largest sustained category; several sustained cases involved failures to collect traffic-stop data, an issue commissioners said they would monitor closely.

Commissioners expressed support for OCC mediation work and concern about the impact of proposed budget cuts on timely investigations. "A strong OCC makes for a strong police department," Commission President Thomas Mazuko said, and the commission agreed to support the office in budget advocacy.

Director Hicks said the OCC would continue policy work on police response to mental-health crisis calls, juvenile protocols and restrictions on shooting at vehicles, even as it faces reduced staffing and higher caseloads.