Commission presses SFPD on captain rotations after multiple reassignments

Several commissioners told the Police Commission on Wednesday they are concerned that recent transfers of district captains happened while multiple outside studies of boundaries and patrols are in progress.

"I would like to have this placed as an agenda item in the near future," Commissioner David Campos said, asking for a formal discussion of systemic transfers so the commission can review best practices and potential policy implications.

Commissioners and community speakers noted transfers can disrupt relationships built by captains and jeopardize continuity for programs local leaders helped establish. Commissioner DeJesus asked how the department ensures promises made by one captain are preserved when a new captain arrives.

Chief responded that lieutenants, captains and command staff historically have been subject to rotation as managers and said the department is negotiating a career development plan under a new memorandum of understanding. "With the new MOU ... we are working on a career development plan that with all officers effective February, all officers hired as of that date, they will be subject to a 5 year rotation," the Chief said, framing rotation as a way to broaden experience and avoid overreliance on single individuals.

Commissioners asked that PERF (the Police Executive Research Forum) and PSSG prioritize analysis of rotation practices, and several asked for a dedicated agenda item to review the policy and its implications for community trust while studies on boundaries and foot patrols continue. No formal policy change was made at the meeting; the commission requested follow-up information and a possible agenda item for detailed discussion.