Rules Committee forwards Joe Marshall nomination to full board without recommendation after extended questioning

San Francisco The Rules Committee on July 9 advanced Mayor Farrells nomination of Joseph (Joe) Marshall for reappointment to the Police Commission to the full Board of Supervisors as a committee report without recommendation, after extensive questioning by supervisors and a robust public-comment record.

Marshall, who told the committee he has served on the commission for 14 years, discussed efforts he has supported on discipline caseload reduction, use-of-force policy, body cameras and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. Several supervisors pushed for specifics about unresolved reform items, citing the 2008 Police Executive Research Forum recommendations and high-profile incidents.

Public speakers were sharply divided. Some attendees offered personal endorsements; other speakers representing advocacy and defense organizations opposed reappointment, citing recurring officer-involved shootings, racist text-message scandals and what they described as insufficient proactive leadership on systemic reforms.

President of the Board President London Breed (President Cohen during committee questioning) and other supervisors pressed Marshall on several subjects: whether he had voted to keep carotid restraint in policy at earlier votes (Marshall said he believed he had voted to keep it in place until a less-lethal alternative was available, but the body ultimately removed carotid restraint), the prevalence of misconduct, the commissions role in terminating officers and/or ensuring discipline, and whether relationships or donations by police-affiliated groups created conflicts of interest. Marshall said he does not personally accept money from police groups, that he checks with the city attorney on conflicts, and that the commission has both disciplined and seen officers choose retirement in response to stronger oversight.

President Cohen and other supervisors also asked whether Marshall would engage with critics and advocacy groups; Marshall said he speaks to a broad range of stakeholders and that he is willing to meet. Several supervisors said they wanted the full Board to consider the nomination once more, in part to allow the incoming mayor to register a view; Supervisor Norman Yee moved to send the nomination to the full Board without recommendation, a motion seconded and adopted by the committee.

What happens next: The nomination will be considered by the full Board. Committee debate focused on Marshalls record and on whether the Police Commission has been sufficiently aggressive in pursuing long-term reform; the full Board will have the opportunity to weigh the nomination and any further public comment.