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

Four employees at the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability expressed their lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership through letters sent to the Police Commission and the police chief. They criticized Henderson's management of budget cuts, claiming he targeted experienced investigators for layoffs while retaining higher-paid managerial staff. Janelle Caywood, a former policy director and one of the authors of the letters, threatened legal action after her sudden dismissal, indicating severe discontent within the department. Complaints at Police Commission meetings from six employees highlighted a hostile work environment and increased workloads, with staff members pleading for support against layoffs. Police Commission president C.

Don Clay noted the seriousness of the situation and plans to investigate the complaints. Henderson expressed disappointment over the criticism, emphasizing the difficulties faced in the department. The Department of Police Accountability, responsible for investigating police misconduct, has a history of management issues, following the departure of former director Joyce Hicks amid employee dissatisfaction. The current structure, with 11 investigators for 1,500 police officers, raises concerns about adequate staffing, as employees argue that reliance on overtime obscures the need for more investigators.