New OCC director outlines oversight priorities and mediation program

Joyce Hicks, executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, introduced herself to the commission and the Bayview audience at the Feb. 27 meeting and described the office’s role, staffing and recent priorities.

Hicks said she began in the position Nov. 26 and described the OCC as an independent agency created by a voter-initiated amendment to the San Francisco City Charter in 1983 that reports directly to the Police Commission. "Our goal, as an office, is to increase the public's trust in law enforcement by being the bridge between the public and the police in matters of police misconduct and police policies," Hicks told the meeting.

She said OCC staff totals 35, including roughly 18 investigators supervised by Chief Investigator Charles Galman and four attorneys. Hicks emphasized timeliness and impartiality in investigations: the OCC makes findings about whether department rules or laws were violated and forwards sustained cases to Chief Fong for potential discipline; suspensions up to 10 days are within the chief’s authority while longer suspensions fall under the commission’s jurisdiction.

Hicks also described an expanded mediation effort as an alternative to disciplinary action; nearly 50 complaints were mediated last year, she said, using independent mediators rather than OCC staff to help involved parties reach mutual understanding.

For individuals seeking case updates, Hicks and Chief Investigator Charles Galman were present in the audience and available after the meeting to answer questions. The director invited questions about OCC process and records.