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Office of Citizen Complaints reports drop in complaints, high mediation participation
Summary
Joyce Hicks, director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, told commissioners the OCC received 854 complaints in 2010 (a 16% decline from 2009), sustained 9% of closed cases and facilitated 63 mediations, stressing the office's role in civilian oversight.
San Francisco — Joyce Hicks, director of the city's Office of Citizen Complaints, briefed the Police Commission Jan. 5 on OCC operations, staffing and 2010 case outcomes.
Hicks said the OCC, which operates as independent civilian oversight under the commission, has a 35-member staff and received 854 complaints in 2010, a 16% decline from 2009. "Last year, the OCC received 854 complaints," she said. "We found proper conduct in 29% of the allegations we investigated, sustained allegations in 9% of closed cases, and 3% were unfounded."
Hicks described the OCC's mediation program as an alternative to discipline; the office facilitated 63 mediations last year (about 8% of closed cases) and reported officer participation among eligible cases above 96%.
Commissioners and community members praised the OCC's outreach and mediation work and asked for additional resources; the commission noted the office's role in improving public trust and recommended exploring budget adjustments to support casework and investigative capacity.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to consider OCC resource needs while the department and commission proceed with other oversight and use-of-force agenda items.
