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Office of Citizen Complaints reviews intake, mediation and oversight role
Summary
Joyce Hicks, executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, briefed the commission on OCC staffing, intake methods and mediation offerings, and reminded the public that the OCC was created by a 1983 voter‑initiated charter amendment to provide civilian oversight of the San Francisco Police Department.
Joyce Hicks, executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, told the Police Commission the OCC has a 35‑member staff composed primarily of investigators, supported by attorneys and administrative staff. She described intake channels — walk‑in complaints at 25 Van Ness, telephone, mail and fax — and public hours for filing complaints.
Hicks reiterated the OCC’s founding authority, noting it was created by a voter‑initiated charter amendment and placed under the supervision of the Police Commission as an independent oversight body. She said the OCC’s mission is to conduct fair, timely and unbiased investigations and to forward sustained complaints to the police chief for possible discipline. The office also offers mediation as an alternative to discipline and conducted 47 mediations in the previous year.
Hicks said OCC staff will remain at the meeting to speak privately with any residents who wish to learn more about filing complaints or mediation services.
