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San Diego Council unanimously appoints Roger Smith as executive director of Commission on Police Practices
Summary
The City Council voted 8–0 to appoint Roger Smith as executive director of the Commission on Police Practices, setting initial compensation at about $216,000 a year. Supporters said the appointment will restore stability and capacity for civilian oversight; public commenters urged independence and staffing.
The San Diego City Council voted unanimously Jan. 26 to appoint Roger Smith as executive director of the Commission on Police Practices, establishing initial compensation at about $216,000 a year.
Vicky Jones, chief of staff to Council President LaCava, told the council the selection followed an ad hoc recruitment process that included a community panel and interviews of six finalists drawn from 84 applications. Jones said the recommended salary is consistent with the managerial classification and payable from the general fund.
"The recommended initial compensation for the commission's executive director is an annual salary of approximately $216,000," Jones said during the presentation.
Supporters, including council members and public commenters, framed the appointment as essential to restoring the commission’s capacity. Councilmember Foster, who moved the appointment, said the commission needs a permanent leader to rebuild investigative capacity after recent high‑profile police incidents, citing the city’s recent settlement and use‑of‑force cases as part of the context for urgency.
Roger Smith, whom council members described as having national oversight experience and training, told the council he welcomed the role and pledged inclusive and fair engagement with the police department, commissioners and the public. "This conversation has taken on greater importance in light of recent events," Smith said. "I look forward to furthering that conversation with the help of anyone in this community who will provide it."
Public commenters who spoke during the item urged that the commission preserve its independence and be properly staffed. Imani Robinson, identifying herself as a CPP advocate, said she was "excited about this new appointment" and thanked the council for supporting the commission’s independence. Andrea Ebbing recommended that the new executive director include data-management and audit capacity in the role to help complete overdue investigations.
The clerk recorded the vote as passing unanimously 8–0, with Councilmember Campeo absent. After the vote, the clerk administered the oath of office and Roger Smith affirmed the duties of the position.
The appointment takes effect immediately and the council directed staff to proceed with onboarding and any administrative steps needed to implement the hire.
