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

Four employees at the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability sent letters to city officials, declaring a lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership. The letters criticized Henderson's management of budget cuts, alleging that he targeted experienced staff for layoffs while retaining higher-paid managerial roles. Former policy director Janelle Caywood, who authored one of the letters, threatened legal action following her abrupt firing. Police Commission president C. Don Clay acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints and announced plans for an investigation.

Henderson expressed disappointment over the letters and highlighted the difficulties of the department's work. Supporters, including attorney Tinnetta Thompson, defended Henderson, suggesting the allegations stem from a minority of disgruntled employees. Employees have reported feeling overworked and expressed concerns about their ability to meet legally mandated timelines due to staffing shortages. The department is currently compliant with investigator-to-officer ratios, but staff argue that it masks a true need for more investigators.