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Chief orders audit, separates investigations after narcotics lab shutdown; commissioners press for staffing and budget plan
Summary
Chief George Gascon told the Police Commission he shut down the controlled-substances section of the crime lab, requested an independent audit by the Association of Forensic Directors and segregated the criminal probe to management control; commissioners raised concerns about understaffing, DNA backlogs, and the need for a supplemental budget.
After public comment raised concerns about the city's forensic laboratory, San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon told the commission the department had launched both administrative and criminal investigations and taken immediate operational steps.
"There is an investigation going right now," Gascon said. He told commissioners the department had asked the Association of Forensic Directors to perform an audit of the lab and had segregated the criminal investigation from the inspector's bureau, moving oversight to management control (internal affairs). Gascon said the department had "shut down the controlled-substances section" to ensure an accurate, independent review and added he hoped to "wrap this investigation within 60 days or sooner." (Chief Gascon)
Commissioners pressed the chief on staffing, backlog and next steps. Gascon said the lab is understaffed relative to regional peers and is carrying nine funded vacancies that have not been filled. He cited accreditation feedback that the lab was "significantly underfunded" and noted that hiring trained criminalists can take substantial time: "for some of the disciplines, you almost have to grow your own." Commissioners discussed options for a supplemental budget request and whether the commission should press the mayor and board of supervisors to release previously budgeted requisitions for nine positions. Gascon said positions had been budgeted but that mid-year hiring decisions and constraints on absorbing new personnel limited immediate fills.
The chief also confirmed the department is working with the district attorney on criminal aspects of the case and that an administrative review led by a retired captain (Captain Hennessy) will lead the administrative probe. Commissioners emphasized the need to ensure forensic protocols (cameras, mandatory testing) and asked the chief to coordinate with the city attorney to evaluate implementation options. The commission agreed to receive a fuller budgetary and staffing update from the department after the audit and investigation proceed.
No formal policy action or supplemental appropriation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff and the chief to follow up with recommended resource and process steps once the audit report is available.
