Proposition D - Sheriff Oversight

Summary

The proposed Charter amendment would create a new seven-member Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board (SDOB) and a new Sheriff’s Department Office of Inspector General (OIG), separate from the Sheriff’s Department. The SDOB would appoint an Inspector General and would evaluate the work of OIG. The OIG would receive, review and investigate complaints against the Sheriff’s Department, its employees and contractors, and other City employees serving persons in custody, and investigate in-custody deaths. The OIG would also recommend a use of force policy and internal review process for use of force and critical incidents for the Sheriff’s Department. The OIG would take over some investigative functions currently performed by the Whistleblower unit of the Controller’s Office.

A "YES" vote on Proposition D is a vote in favor of establishing a new seven-member Sheriff's Department Oversight Board and a new Sheriff's Department Office of Inspector General, headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Oversight Board.

A "NO" vote on Proposition D is a vote against establishing a new seven-member Sheriff's Department Oversight Board and a new Sheriff's Department Office of Inspector General, headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Oversight Board.

Arguments

"We must act now to join the national movement for justice reform and end the decades of discrimination and unfair treatment rampant within the Sheriff's Department. It is time for us to work together to stop the injustices and abuse towards individuals in custody and staff and give voice to those impacted.", in support of Proposition D (Learn more)

"Lawsuits against the San Francisco Sheriff's Department have cost the city millions in settlements excluding the staff time and resources spent on these cases. Having a Sheriff's Department Oversight Board and an Inspector General will provide public transparency when investigating these incidences of msiconduct, mistreatment, and abuse.", in support of Proposition D (Learn more)

"The Sheriff's Department already has an Internal Affairs Unit to conduct administrative investigations and a Training Unit to train sworn personnel. While seeing fewer people in custody, the Sheriff's Department is expanding a relationship with the existing Department of Police Accountability (formerly the office of Citizen Complaints), as well as referring personnel investigations to other independent outside agencies when circumstances warrant.", in opposition to Proposition D (Learn more)

"The City Controller says that Proposition D would have a moderate to significant impact on the cost of government. It would certainly add more administration, bureaucracy, and overhead, but no guarantee of any meaningful oversight. We should be using existing resources and oversight mechanisms more effectively.", in opposition to Proposition D (Learn more)

Measure Details