SFPD reports near‑completion of DOJ recommendations; board continues review to October

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Committee of the Whole heard an update on May 6 from the San Francisco Police Department on its collaborative reform initiative with the U.S. Department of Justice. Chief Bill Scott said the department has reached substantial compliance on 263 of 272 recommendations — about 96.7 percent — and highlighted declines in uses of force and officer‑involved shootings.

Chief Scott described four accomplishments tied to the compliance finding: broad completion of recommendations, reductions in use of force and officer‑involved shootings, sustained leadership dedicated to the reform program and steady reductions in major crime categories during the reform process. He said nine remaining recommendations are linked to a city‑wide rollout of an electronic performance appraisal system and a management dashboard slated for early 2026.

Catherine Maguire, executive director of the department’s strategic management bureau, described an upcoming pilot for a performance appraisal and management dashboard that will integrate record management, early intervention and human resources systems. She said the department is rolling out updated records management and human resources systems and is piloting management dashboards that will provide supervisors the ability to detect trends and act on disparities.

Supervisors pressed on data and accountability. Supervisor Walton asked specifically how the department will address racial disparities in traffic stops and enforcement; Chief Scott said revised general orders and the forthcoming dashboard will allow supervisors to ‘‘take snapshots of stops’’ and identify patterns. Supervisor Chan asked about implicit bias training frequency and whether higher ranks participate; Chief Scott said bias training occurs in the academy and as part of ongoing advanced officer training and is available online.

Public comment included victims and critics who said problems persist, people who urged stronger independent oversight and witnesses who described personal encounters with police. Speakers also urged more transparent disciplinary records and suggested reforms like personal liability insurance for officers.

After public comment, Supervisor Walton moved and Supervisor Fielder seconded a motion to continue the hearing to Oct. 7, 2025. The board voted unanimously to continue the Committee of the Whole review to that date, allowing more time for the department to pilot performance systems and for the board to receive additional reporting on the nine outstanding recommendations.

What’s next: The department will pilot the management dashboard and an electronic appraisal system; the board directed continuation of the hearing in October, when supervisors expect progress updates and more specific timelines for completing the remaining recommendations.