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

Four employees from the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability have publicly declared a lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership through letters sent to the Police Commission and city officials. The letters allege that Henderson mishandled citywide budget cuts by prioritizing layoffs of experienced staff while retaining higher-paid managerial roles. Employees described a hostile work environment characterized by retaliation and mistreatment, which they claim Henderson has ignored. Former policy director Janelle Caywood, one of the letter's authors, threatened legal action following her sudden dismissal, raising concerns about workplace dynamics. C.

Don Clay, president of the Police Commission, noted the increasing number of employee complaints and plans to investigate the situation further. Henderson expressed disappointment in the letters, stating he strives to represent the city's mission amid challenging conditions. Supporters argue that layoffs were beyond Henderson's control, with one attorney describing the accusations as unfair. The department, required to have one investigator for every 150 police officers, currently meets this standard but faces concerns over staffing and workload among its employees.