Taraval Station, covering S.F.s west side, gets new police captain

Taraval Station will welcome Lt. Clayton Harmston as its new police captain on Saturday, marking his third term at the station. With 25 years of service at the San Francisco Police Department, Harmston has earned both a gold medal of valor and a purple heart for his courageous actions in the line of duty. However, he has also faced legal challenges, having filed lawsuits alleging racial discrimination in the SFPD's promotion process, which he claims favors lower-scoring minority candidates. A 2023 settlement resulted in a $380,000 payout to him and other officers involved in the suit.

Advocates for the community have emphasized the importance of selecting leadership that reflects the diverse demographics of Taraval Station, which serves many predominantly Asian neighborhoods. The station covers a significant area, from Golden Gate Park to the San Mateo County border, making its leadership vital to local policing. Former captain Brien Hoo recently transitioned to a commander role overseeing the airport division. As the new captain, Harmston will face expectations to address community concerns and enhance police relations.