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

Four employees from the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability sent letters to city officials, declaring a lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership. They criticized his management of budget cuts, alleging he unfairly targeted an experienced investigator while retaining higher-paid managerial staff. Former policy director Janelle Caywood, one of the letter's authors, threatened legal action after her sudden termination. The employees described a hostile work environment, claiming that retaliation from middle management has been allowed to persist due to Henderson's inaction. Police Commission president C.

Don Clay expressed concerns about the rising number of employee complaints and plans to investigate the situation. Henderson responded by expressing disappointment and emphasizing the challenges of their work. Supporters of Henderson argue that the layoffs were beyond his control, while critics maintain that the department's culture has deteriorated. The Department of Police Accountability is responsible for investigating police misconduct and ensuring adequate staffing levels, which employees say are currently insufficient.