Board approves Deborah Walker for another police commission term after hour-long debate

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 7–3 on June 11 to approve Mayor London Breed—s nomination of Deborah Walker to the Police Commission, ending a contentious floor debate about the commission—s role.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who moved to amend the original motion from "reject" to "approve," opened the floor in support of Walker, saying she had "donated her time, energy, integrity, and experience" to the city for decades and had "brought real citizen oversight and scrutiny" to appointed roles. Dorsey asked colleagues to affirm Walker—s reappointment, calling her "uniquely qualified." The amendment to approve Walker passed 7–3, and the subsequent final vote on the item as amended carried by the same margin; Supervisors Preston, Ronan and Walton voted no.

Opponents said the Rules Committee hearing and Walker—s comments there raised questions about whether she accepted the commission—s policy-setting function. Supervisor Walton, who voted no, told the board she could not "in good conscience support her in this role," saying Walker had suggested at committee that the commission should not set policy — a primary responsibility under the charter. Supervisor Ronan likewise said remarks in committee showing Walker had repeatedly questioned the commission—s policy role were difficult to reconcile with the job's purpose of civilian oversight.

Several supervisors who voted yes acknowledged Walker—s long service while stressing the difference between past public service and the specific duties of the police commission. Supervisor Myrna Melgar and Supervisor Connie Chan both cited Walker—s participation in recruitment and reform efforts, including support for a "30 by 30" goal to increase the share of women on the force.

Commissioner Deborah Walker addressed the board directly before the vote, saying she had "read the charter" and "fully believe[d] in those charter-mandated responsibilities including citizen oversight, including oversight of policy and especially including doing discipline hearings." Walker told supervisors she had been assigned work by the commission chair and described active engagement on department general orders, pretext stop policy and recruitment work.

The Board recorded the votes by roll call on the amendment and on the item as amended. The motion passed: 7 ayes, 3 noes (Preston, Ronan, Walton). The board then moved on to the next calendar items.

The reappointment ends a high-profile confirmation that drew members— scrutiny about the role of civilian oversight in policing. The Police Commission—s statutory duties remain as described in the charter; supervisors who raised concerns said their votes reflected those duties rather than Walker—s years of other public service.