Commission seeks interim patrol‑specials rules and faster background timelines

Commissioners and SFPD staff discussed the status and processing of patrol‑special assistant applications and announced a plan for interim rules.

Lieutenant Curtis Slum, program director for the patrol special program, told the commission there were five pending background investigations: three awaiting reference questionnaires and two that initially failed minimum requirements; one applicant had been disapproved and several appointments occurred in July. "Of the 5 pending backgrounds, 3 of the investigations the background investigator is waiting for more information from the applicant's personal references to submit the questionnaire," he said.

Commissioners raised concerns about lengthy, open‑ended background timelines and suggested adding a deadline (proposals included three to six months) so applicants and sponsors avoid indefinite processing delays. Commissioners also noted that one investigator was handling both reserve officer and patrol‑special backgrounds, producing workload and potential prioritization issues; department staff said cross‑training and an additional trained investigator would address the backlog.

The commission outlined a process for interim rule changes: the Patrol Specialists Association and the Department will each return a marked‑up copy of the current rules and regulations in 4–6 weeks; the commission (President Sparks and Commissioner Mazuko) will consolidate and present an interim regulation for a vote with a limited sunset while consultants prepare final policies. The goal is to clarify use of radios, reporting, and other operational confusion without rewriting core duties.

Commissioners emphasized the need to protect applicant privacy during processing and not to publish individual personnel details while asking for general status counts and timelines in future reports.