Family and community leaders told San Francisco Police Commission officers traumatized children during late‑night detention at Alemany

Several residents and community advocates told the San Francisco Police Commission on Sept. 15 that a late‑night police operation in the Allemani (Alemany/Bernal) housing projects left women and children “traumatized.” The commission took public testimony and OCC staff offered to help residents file formal complaints.

Francisco De Costa opened public comment by asking the commission to represent “those that are most vulnerable,” and called two victims forward to describe the incident. “My name is Espinosa Washington,” she said. She told commissioners that on the previous Sunday her disabled mother and two children were detained outside their home “for a hour and 50 something minutes” after officers believed a robbery suspect had run to their address. Washington said she was in pajamas, was searched by a male officer while a female officer stood by, and that officers later brought dogs into the house during a search. “My kids are very upset and angry and traumatized by this, and so am I,” she said.

Juanita Jackson, Washington’s mother, corroborated the account and described being ordered out of the house without shoes or a jacket. She said officers refused to retrieve clothing for her even though they held a suspect nearby: “They had the gentleman that did the robbery at the other end of the block on the ground, so I see why no reason for us to go in,” she said, and asked the commission to help ensure it “wouldn't happen to anyone else.”

Mission Neighborhood Centers intervention director Janelle Harris told the commission the incident reflected recurring harm in public housing when inexperienced officers replace seasoned patrol members. “This is a natural reoccurrence at the … Bernal Dwellings, and it's kind of ruining the relationship that we've built with San Francisco Police Department,” she said, urging more community policing and training for new officers.

Commission president Joe Marshall and other commissioners urged the complainants to file a formal report so the Office of Citizen Complaints can investigate. OCC director Joyce Hicks told the panel a lawyer from her office was available in the audience to take details after the meeting and that complaints filed at a police station would be forwarded to OCC for investigation.

The commission did not take formal action at the meeting beyond advising residents about the complaints process. Commissioners said they would follow up administratively to ensure the complainants could be assisted by OCC staff.

What’s next: OCC staff offered immediate in‑person help after testimony; commissioners encouraged filing a formal complaint so the matter can be investigated and tracked through the OCC process.