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

Four employees from the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability have sent letters to the Police Commission, expressing a lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership amid allegations of mismanagement. They criticized Henderson for targeting experienced staff for layoffs during budget cuts while retaining higher-paid managerial positions. Janelle Caywood, a former policy director who authored one of the letters, threatened legal action following her abrupt firing. The Police Commission, led by president C. Don Clay, plans to investigate the situation after noting the alarming number of employee complaints.

Henderson expressed disappointment over the letters, emphasizing the challenges of their work environment. Supporters of Henderson argue that the layoffs were mandated by city budget constraints. Employees claim that the current hostile work environment increases the risk of mistakes in their oversight responsibilities. The Department of Police Accountability is tasked with ensuring effective civilian oversight of police, making these issues critical to its functioning.