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

Four employees at the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability have voiced their lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson through letters addressed to police officials. They accuse him of mishandling budget cuts that targeted experienced staff while retaining higher-paid managerial positions. Former policy director Janelle Caywood, who authored one of the letters, threatened legal action following her abrupt firing. The letters also describe a hostile work environment characterized by retaliation and mistreatment of staff members. Police Commission president C.

Don Clay expressed concern over the increasing number of complaints and plans to investigate the situation. Henderson expressed disappointment over the criticism, emphasizing the challenges faced by department employees. Some colleagues defended Henderson, calling the allegations "unfair" and attributing them to a minority of discontented employees. The department, which investigates police misconduct, currently employs 11 investigators and meets the mandated staffing ratio for oversight of the police force.