Some S.F. police watchdog workers say theyve lost confidence in leader

Four employees at the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability declared a lack of confidence in Director Paul Henderson's leadership through letters addressed to the Police Commission and city officials. They alleged that he mishandled city budget cuts, leading to layoffs of experienced staff while retaining higher-paid managerial positions. Janelle Caywood, a former policy director, threatened legal action after her abrupt firing, underscoring the tensions within the department. Henderson expressed disappointment over the letters and highlighted the challenges faced by staff. Supporters of Henderson claimed the accusations were unfair and originated from a minority of employees.

The Police Commission's president, C. Don Clay, expressed concern over the complaints and plans to investigate the issues raised. The department, which investigates police misconduct, is currently facing staffing challenges, prompting employees to raise alarms about their workload. The ongoing situation reflects deeper issues of management and employee satisfaction within the department.