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Office of Citizen Complaints reports low sustain rate, high mediation participation
Summary
The Office of Citizen Complaints told the Police Commission it received 1,021 complaints last year, sustained 4% of closed cases and ran 71 mediations with a 92% officer participation rate; the OCC will present its annual report to the commission March 18.
San Francisco — Joyce Hicks, executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC), presented an overview of the office’s work and statistics to the Police Commission on Feb. 25.
Hicks said the OCC, an independent civilian oversight agency created under the San Francisco City Charter, received 1,021 complaints last year and closed 1,095 complaints, sustaining allegations in 4% of closed cases. For February 2009 the OCC had received 138 complaints to date.
Hicks highlighted the OCC’s mediation program as an alternative to discipline. "Our mediation program allows complainants to resolve issues with the accused officer in person in a dispute-resolution format," Hicks said, and the OCC reported 71 mediations last year with a 92% participation rate among eligible officers.
Hicks said the OCC’s goal is to increase public trust by conducting fair, timely and unbiased investigations, then forwarding sustained findings to the chief for disciplinary action when appropriate. Sustained complaints leading to proposed discipline less than or equal to 10 days are processed administratively by the chief; higher recommended discipline involves the police commission.
The OCC is located at 25 Van Ness Avenue and receives walk-in complaints in addition to phone, mail and fax reports. Hicks said the office’s staff speaks multiple languages and provides interpretation as needed.
Hicks also noted that the OCC’s annual report will be presented to the commission on March 18 so the chief attorney can attend.
