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New OCC director Joyce Hicks outlines priorities and accessibility challenges for citizen complaints office
Summary
Joyce Hicks, the new executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints, introduced herself, described OCC's investigative and mediation role, announced the office's new address and phone line, and acknowledged performance-review recommendations to expand staffing and accessibility.
Joyce Hicks, introduced as the new executive director of the Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC), gave her first formal report to the Police Commission at Park Station and summarized OCC responsibilities and immediate priorities.
Hicks said she had been on the job three days and that OCC manages a 32-member staff of investigators, attorneys and support staff. She emphasized the office's mission: civilian investigation of complaints against San Francisco police officers, issuance of findings, policy recommendations and an expanding mediation program that allows voluntary meetings between complainants and accused officers. Hicks said OCC moved to a new location at 25 Van Ness (Seventh Floor, near Van Ness and Market) and provided a public phone number: (415) 241-7711.
She acknowledged the results of a recent Controller's performance audit and said the OCC would implement contemporary management and performance practices. "It is important that the office have contemporary management practices... individuals in the office be accountable," Hicks said, adding she welcomed the challenge and would engage in ongoing dialogue with the department and community.
Public commenters urged expanded OCC access, including satellite offices in high-impact neighborhoods (Fillmore/Western Addition and Bayview-Hunters Point) and free phone access so vulnerable complainants can contact OCC without cost. The public also asked whether OCC could provide witness-protection services and greater outreach in areas with historically low complaint filings.
Why it matters: OCC is the civilian oversight agency that investigates allegations of police misconduct and forwards sustained findings to the chief or commission for discipline beyond 10 days. The new director's management priorities and the public's calls for satellite offices and easier access are immediate administrative questions with implications for oversight and trust.
Ending: Commissioners welcomed Hicks and asked OCC to consider the recommendations; Hicks said she would meet staff, review performance recommendations and engage community stakeholders as she settles into the post.
