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Union urges 'passed-over' feedback process after lieutenant selections; commission asks HR to review San Jose model
Summary
After several officers were not selected from a lieutenant list, the POA urged the commission to pursue a feedback process that allows passed-over officers to meet with the chief (a practice described from San Jose—s "Mead Arb" rule). Commissioners asked the chief and city HR to examine the model.
Union representatives told the Police Commission on Jan. 9 that several qualified officers were "passed over" on a lieutenant certification list and asked the commission and department to adopt a formal feedback process.
POA leaders said about 11 officers had been bypassed and requested a mechanism that would allow those officers, on request, to meet with the chief to receive candid reasons and guidance for future promotion prospects. John Tennant, general counsel for the San Francisco POA and a counsel for San Jose POA, described San Jose—s practice (stemming from a labor-arbitration approach commonly referenced as "Mead Arb") in which passed-over candidates may meet with the chief for specific feedback after a second certification.
Speakers, including a POA representative and public commenters, argued that a structured dialogue could reduce confusion and potential litigation and improve morale. Chief Fong said he has asked command staff to meet individually with affected officers where appropriate, that career-counseling and pre-test training should be enhanced, but noted legal constraints when promotion choices result in litigation. He said he will consult with Human Resources and the City Attorney and would consider San Jose—s materials.
Commissioners asked the chief to seek an opinion from human resources and city attorneys on whether a San Jose-style feedback rule could be employed locally and requested copies of the San Jose materials referenced by POA counsel. The chief agreed to follow up.
