Rules Committee backs Paul Henderson's nomination to lead Department of Police Accountability

The Rules Committee on March 14 voted to forward Mayor Farrell's nomination of Paul Henderson to serve as the permanent executive director of the Department of Police Accountability (DPA).

Henderson, who has served as interim director since July 1, summarized his background in the District Attorney's office and in the mayor's office, and said his priorities at DPA have included hiring investigators, reducing backlog, improving case management and launching Prop G-mandated audit work. He told the committee his office had reduced caseloads by about 36 percent since he began taking hiring and process steps.

Rania Adwan, senior adviser to the Police Commission, said the commission unanimously nominated and supported Henderson, praising his administrative work and progress on open cases. Dozens of community members and agency staff, including representatives from the district attorney's office, Reentry Council, domestic violence organizations and senior services, spoke in favor of the appointment.

Supervisors questioned Henderson about implementing Department of Justice recommendations, Taser policy oversight and how DPA would handle increased complaint volumes if Taser use expands. Henderson said his office is engaged in negotiating memoranda of understanding and departmental general orders tied to reform recommendations and is working to make investigations and recordkeeping more robust.

Supervisor Katherine Stephanie moved to approve the mayoral appointment and forward it to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee carried the recommendation.