SF Police Commission presents new media relations guidelines and honors Deputy Chief Vaswani

The San Francisco Police Commission meeting on July 9, 2025, highlighted significant developments in community engagement and police accountability, underscoring the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in the city.

Interim Chief Yap opened the meeting by acknowledging the successful participation of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) in recent community parades, including the Juneteenth celebration. He commended the Officers for Justice for their role in fostering a positive atmosphere during these events and expressed a desire to formally recognize their contributions in the fall.

A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing district boundary analysis, which aims to address community concerns and improve police service delivery. The commission anticipates presenting responses to community proposals at their next meeting, encouraging public input before the commission's summer recess.

The meeting also featured a tribute to Deputy Chief Raj Vaswani, who is retiring after 31 years with the department. His departure was marked by a plaque presentation, emphasizing the collaborative relationship between the commission and the police department, which has been crucial in implementing reforms and improving public safety.

Additionally, the commission discussed the importance of the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) in maintaining public trust and safety. The DPA's role in investigating complaints against officers was reaffirmed, with a call for continued support and communication between the commission and the DPA.

In a significant procedural update, the commission reviewed and approved revisions to the Department General Order 8.09, which governs media relations. This update, the first since 1994, aims to enhance transparency and improve interactions with the media, reflecting the evolving landscape of public communication.

As the meeting concluded, the commission reiterated its commitment to a fully staffed police department and DPA, recognizing that effective public safety relies on both entities working in tandem. The discussions set the stage for continued collaboration and community engagement as the commission prepares for its next session in September.