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San Francisco mayor announces Chief Bill Scott's departure; Paul Yip named interim chief
Summary
San Francisco's mayor announced that Chief Bill Scott will leave the SFPD to pursue a new position and named Paul Yip interim chief. Scott, who highlighted department reforms and falling crime during remarks to the Police Commission, will work with leadership on a transition over the coming weeks.
San Francisco's mayor announced during the Police Commission meeting that Chief Bill Scott will depart the San Francisco Police Department to accept a new chief's role elsewhere, and that Paul Yip will serve as interim police chief.
"Chief Scott has been that kind of leader for the San Francisco Police Department," the mayor said during a live address, thanking Scott for eight years of service and noting reductions in violent and property crimes during his tenure. The mayor said Scott and city leaders will work closely over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Chief Bill Scott addressed the commission after the announcement, calling his time in San Francisco "truly an honor." Scott noted reforms implemented under his leadership, including work to implement 272 Department of Justice recommendations and the state Department of Justice's finding that SFPD reached substantial compliance. He cited falling homicide rates, sharply reduced auto burglaries and fewer officer-involved shootings as milestones of his tenure.
The mayor named Paul Yip as interim chief and said Yip will return to the department on Monday to work with Scott and the leadership team during the transition. The mayor described Yip as a long-serving department leader with experience commanding multiple district stations and serving in City Hall public safety roles.
Scott said he is retiring from SFPD to pursue the new opportunity and praised officers and staff for the department's recent successes. He urged continued momentum and endorsed the department's current command staff as able to carry on the work.
What happens next: city officials said they will coordinate with the Police Commission to begin a search for a permanent chief while Yip serves in the interim. No timeline for the permanent search was provided at the meeting.
