Michael Barba

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is opting out of the competition to replace the outgoing top cop of Los Angeles before the contest even begins.

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San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is opting out of the competition to replace the outgoing top cop of Los Angeles before the contest even begins.

Last Friday, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced he would <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/lapd-chief-michel-moore-to-leave-end-of-february">step down at the end of February</a>. If Scott had chosen to seek the job and succeeded in his bid, the move could have had serious political and public safety ramifications for San Francisco.

Last Friday, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced he would <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/lapd-chief-michel-moore-to-leave-end-of-february">step down at the end of February</a>. If Scott had chosen to seek the job and succeeded in his bid, the move could have had serious political and public safety ramifications for San Francisco.

But Scott put an end to any speculation about his potential candidacy Tuesday, telling The Standard in a statement that he would not throw his hat into the ring.

But Scott put an end to any speculation about his potential candidacy Tuesday, telling The Standard in a statement that he would not throw his hat into the ring.

&#8220;I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city&#8217;s challenges for years to come.&#8221;

"I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city's challenges for years to come."

&#8220;I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city&#8217;s challenges for years to come.&#8221;

Scott was a logical contender for the job. He served for 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and has tried to return to Southern California before. Less than two years after former Mayor Ed Lee hired him in San Francisco in January 2017, he was a finalist for the Los Angeles job <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-Police-Chief-Bill-Scott-passed-over-12966981.php">but lost</a> to Moore.

Scott was a logical contender for the job. He served for 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and has tried to return to Southern California before. Less than two years after former Mayor Ed Lee hired him in San Francisco in January 2017, he was a finalist for the Los Angeles job <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-Police-Chief-Bill-Scott-passed-over-12966981.php">but lost</a> to Moore.

With seven years behind him this month, Scott is the longest-serving San Francisco police chief since Thomas J. Cahill, who served under three mayors from 1958 until 1970.

With seven years behind him this month, Scott is the longest-serving San Francisco police chief since Thomas J. Cahill, who served under three mayors from 1958 until 1970.

Scott’s departure from San Francisco would have put Breed and her political adversaries on the Police Commission in the awkward position of having to work together to choose his successor at a time when the mayor has waged war against the oversight body.

Scott’s departure from San Francisco would have put Breed and her political adversaries on the Police Commission in the awkward position of having to work together to choose his successor at a time when the mayor has waged war against the oversight body.

If Breed wants to hire a police chief, the city charter says she must select one from a pool of at least three candidates chosen by the Police Commission. The commission would be required to make additional nominations if the first round of applicants were rejected by the mayor.

If Breed wants to hire a police chief, the city charter says she must select one from a pool of at least three candidates chosen by the Police Commission. The commission would be required to make additional nominations if the first round of applicants were rejected by the mayor.

That system could have caused problems for the mayor, given that she is currently asking voters to approve Proposition E in an effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">throttle the policy-making powers of the Police Commission</a> and give officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">the tools that she says they need</a> to do their jobs better.

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That system could have caused problems for the mayor, given that she is currently asking voters to approve Proposition E in an effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">throttle the policy-making powers of the Police Commission</a> and give officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">the tools that she says they need</a> to do their jobs better.

Scott was hired to reform the San Francisco Police Department in January 2017, following a series of police shootings and a racist text-messaging scandal. His department has since <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/police-reform/cri-current-status">completed 90% of the 272 recommendations for reform</a> laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2016 and has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-datahttps://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-data">reduced</a> police shootings.

Scott was hired to reform the San Francisco Police Department in January 2017, following a series of police shootings and a racist text-messaging scandal. His department has since <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/police-reform/cri-current-status">completed 90% of the 272 recommendations for reform</a> laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2016 and has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-datahttps://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-data">reduced</a> police shootings.

At the same time, Scott has been confronted by the exploding fentanyl crisis and declines in police staffing seen in cities around the nation. Property crimes such as car break-ins, which plagued San Francisco before his tenure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">remain a problem despite improvements</a>. He has also faced low morale among the rank-and-file and <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1222">calls for his ouster</a> by the police union.

2023 San Francisco crime trends: Car thefts up, car break-ins down

At the same time, Scott has been confronted by the exploding fentanyl crisis and declines in police staffing seen in cities around the nation. Property crimes such as car break-ins, which plagued San Francisco before his tenure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">remain a problem despite improvements</a>. He has also faced low morale among the rank-and-file and <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1222">calls for his ouster</a> by the police union.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed, said the mayor “remains focused on working with Chief Scott to continue to bring down crime rates and increase police staffing, both areas where we are making progress.”

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed, said the mayor “remains focused on working with Chief Scott to continue to bring down crime rates and increase police staffing, both areas where we are making progress.”

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Garrett Leahy

A group of masked San Francisco Walgreens shoplifting suspects, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/13/san-francisco-thieves-walgreens-wagon-cops-waiting/">brought a wagon</a> with them to a raid on the store, also had a baby with them, according to San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.

San Francisco Walgreens thieves brought a wagon to the store. Cops were waiting for them

A group of masked San Francisco Walgreens shoplifting suspects, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/13/san-francisco-thieves-walgreens-wagon-cops-waiting/">brought a wagon</a> with them to a raid on the store, also had a baby with them, according to San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.

Police arrested six out of eight suspects during a retail theft &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">blitz operation</a>&#8221; at the Geneva Avenue Walgreens on Oct. 11.

San Francisco police launch retail theft &#8216;blitz operations&#8217;

Police arrested six out of eight suspects during a retail theft "<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">blitz operation</a>" at the Geneva Avenue Walgreens on Oct. 11.

Police arrested six out of eight suspects during a retail theft &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">blitz operation</a>&#8221; at the Geneva Avenue Walgreens on Oct. 11.

The group began filling bags and the wagon with merchandise before officers conducting an organized retail theft operation swooped in on them.

The group began filling bags and the wagon with merchandise before officers conducting an organized retail theft operation swooped in on them.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins charged five suspects on Oct. 13 with several theft-related charges, including attempted grand theft. Four of the suspects were released with ankle monitoring tags and one remains in custody.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins charged five suspects on Oct. 13 with several theft-related charges, including attempted grand theft. Four of the suspects were released with ankle monitoring tags and one remains in custody.

Scott mentioned the baby during his report to the Police Commission late Wednesday.

Scott mentioned the baby during his report to the Police Commission late Wednesday.

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San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left, listens while San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, right, speaks during the town hall, in San Francisco on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office held the town hall at the St. Anthony Foundation to address public safety in the Tenderloin.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_21.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-188379"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left, listens while Police Chief Bill Scott, right, speaks during an August town hall in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_21.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-188379"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left, listens while Police Chief Bill Scott, right, speaks during an August town hall in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

“There was also a baby with this group of suspects, and that infant was released to the Alameda County Child Protective Services,” Scott said.

“There was also a baby with this group of suspects, and that infant was released to the Alameda County Child Protective Services,” Scott said.

The Alameda County Department of Social Services declined to provide more information about the parents, citing confidentiality laws for cases involving children.

The Alameda County Department of Social Services declined to provide more information about the parents, citing confidentiality laws for cases involving children.

San Francisco police declined to provide further details about the case.

San Francisco police declined to provide further details about the case.

Organized retail thefts in San Francisco have been front of mind for the police department, which launched&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">so-called &#8220;blitz operations&#8221; to combat the rampant crime in early October</a>.

Organized retail thefts in San Francisco have been front of mind for the police department, which launched&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">so-called "blitz operations" to combat the rampant crime in early October</a>.

Organized retail thefts in San Francisco have been front of mind for the police department, which launched&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">so-called &#8220;blitz operations&#8221; to combat the rampant crime in early October</a>.

Five Walgreens stores closed in San Francisco in 2021 and two in Downtown&nbsp;shuttered in February 2022. Walgreens currently operates about 40 stores in San Francisco.

Five Walgreens stores closed in San Francisco in 2021 and two in Downtown&nbsp;shuttered in February 2022. Walgreens currently operates about 40 stores in San Francisco.

San Francisco Walgreens wagon thieves brought baby with them, police chief says

Jonah Owen Lamb

Han Li

A private security guard allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens on Thursday evening, police said.

A private security guard allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens on Thursday evening, police said.

Police confirmed security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday.

Police confirmed security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in an exclusive interview with The Standard that the shooting followed an alleged shoplifting incident that took a deadly turn.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in an exclusive interview with The Standard that the shooting followed an alleged shoplifting incident that took a deadly turn.

Scott said investigators arrested the security guard for murder because of the way he allegedly used his weapon.

Scott said investigators arrested the security guard for murder because of the way he allegedly used his weapon.

&#8220;You have to use force appropriately within the law,&#8221; Scott said.

"You have to use force appropriately within the law," Scott said.

&#8220;You have to use force appropriately within the law,&#8221; Scott said.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner's Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. &#8220;He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died,&#8221; Lipson said.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. "He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died," Lipson said.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. &#8220;He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died,&#8221; Lipson said.

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The Standard contacted Kingdom Group Protective Services Private Security, which was providing security services for the Walgreens at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. A representative for the firm said they could not speak about open investigations or personnel matters.

The Standard contacted Kingdom Group Protective Services Private Security, which was providing security services for the Walgreens at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. A representative for the firm said they could not speak about open investigations or personnel matters.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

&#8220;We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time,&#8221; a Walgreens spokesperson said. &#8220;The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.&#8221;

"We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time," a Walgreens spokesperson said. "The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities."

&#8220;We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time,&#8221; a Walgreens spokesperson said. &#8220;The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.&#8221;

The line at the 825 Market St. Walgreens store on Friday morning, April 28, 2023. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230428_101959-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154763"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People line up at the Walgreens store at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230428_101959-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154763"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People line up at the Walgreens store at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The Walgreens store was open Friday morning. Staff present at the time declined to comment.

The Walgreens store was open Friday morning. Staff present at the time declined to comment.

Shayari Saha, who works at a Verizon store close to where the shooting happened, said she was unsurprised it happened at Walgreens.

Shayari Saha, who works at a Verizon store close to where the shooting happened, said she was unsurprised it happened at Walgreens.

&#8220;Crazy stuff happens at this Walgreens all the time,&#8221; Saha told The Standard on Friday morning. &#8220;It felt safer before Covid when there were more tourists around.&#8221;

"Crazy stuff happens at this Walgreens all the time," Saha told The Standard on Friday morning. "It felt safer before Covid when there were more tourists around."

&#8220;Crazy stuff happens at this Walgreens all the time,&#8221; Saha told The Standard on Friday morning. &#8220;It felt safer before Covid when there were more tourists around.&#8221;

Together with the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/north-beach-shooting-arrest-made-victim-named-in-alleged-robbery-attempt/">shooting death of 23-year-old Isaiah Thomas</a>&nbsp;during an alleged botched robbery attempt on Sunday night in North Beach, Brown’s killing would raise the total number of homicides this year in San Francisco to 15, according to the SFPD.

Together with the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/north-beach-shooting-arrest-made-victim-named-in-alleged-robbery-attempt/">shooting death of 23-year-old Isaiah Thomas</a>&nbsp;during an alleged botched robbery attempt on Sunday night in North Beach, Brown’s killing would raise the total number of homicides this year in San Francisco to 15, according to the SFPD.

Downtown SF Walgreens security guard shoots shoplifter dead, police say

George Kelly

A man who allegedly threw a glass object after shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs at two men has been arrested on suspicion of committing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/accused-sf-synagogue-shooter-will-still-face-hate-crime-charges-despite-previous-dismissal/">hate crimes</a> and assault with a deadly weapon, San Francisco police announced Wednesday.

A man who allegedly threw a glass object after shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs at two men has been arrested on suspicion of committing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/accused-sf-synagogue-shooter-will-still-face-hate-crime-charges-despite-previous-dismissal/">hate crimes</a> and assault with a deadly weapon, San Francisco police announced Wednesday.

The incident happened Monday before noon near 18th and Hartford streets when 20-year-old Muhammed Abdullah allegedly followed a 40-year-old man and a 58-year-old man while shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs, police said.

The incident happened Monday before noon near 18th and Hartford streets when 20-year-old Muhammed Abdullah allegedly followed a 40-year-old man and a 58-year-old man while shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs, police said.

Abdullah then allegedly threw a glass object at the men, causing the 40-year-old male victim to sustain a non-life-threatening injury.

Abdullah then allegedly threw a glass object at the men, causing the 40-year-old male victim to sustain a non-life-threatening injury.

A street sign for Dolores park is outlined by Palm trees that line the area on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. The Delores Heights neighborhood, which borders Noe Valley and Castro, is a new favorite spot for billionaires like Brian Chesky to buy and build homes. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/INLINED2_BillionaireNeighborhood120822.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-104965"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dolores Street | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Officers later found Abdullah in the area of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-dolores-park-chase-was-a-hate-crime/">Dolores Park</a> and chased him on foot before arresting him for the alleged crimes, police said. The park is around three blocks away from where the incident happened.

Officers later found Abdullah in the area of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-dolores-park-chase-was-a-hate-crime/">Dolores Park</a> and chased him on foot before arresting him for the alleged crimes, police said. The park is around three blocks away from where the incident happened.

Abdullah was later booked at San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of committing a hate crime and resisting arrest.

Abdullah was later booked at San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of committing a hate crime and resisting arrest.

“These kinds of attacks are unacceptable,” Police Chief William Scott said. “It’s especially troubling that this incident took place as we celebrate Pride month in San Francisco. Anyone who threatens or harms someone based on being a member of the LGBTQ community will be held accountable.”

“These kinds of attacks are unacceptable,” Police Chief William Scott said. “It’s especially troubling that this incident took place as we celebrate Pride month in San Francisco. Anyone who threatens or harms someone based on being a member of the LGBTQ community will be held accountable.”

On Thursday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Abdullah, asserting that &#8220;San Francisco is a safe haven for LGBTQ people.” Abdullah was formally charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with special hate-crime allegations, misdemeanor battery, violation of a person’s civil rights and petty theft.

On Thursday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Abdullah, asserting that "San Francisco is a safe haven for LGBTQ people.” Abdullah was formally charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with special hate-crime allegations, misdemeanor battery, violation of a person’s civil rights and petty theft.

On Thursday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Abdullah, asserting that &#8220;San Francisco is a safe haven for LGBTQ people.” Abdullah was formally charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with special hate-crime allegations, misdemeanor battery, violation of a person’s civil rights and petty theft.

&#8220;Our city is proud of our diversity and for being an open and welcoming beacon to all people, especially those who have been marginalized elsewhere,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;Hate crimes that seek to demean and otherize people because of who they are, what they look like, or who they love are unacceptable and will be prosecuted.”

"Our city is proud of our diversity and for being an open and welcoming beacon to all people, especially those who have been marginalized elsewhere," Jenkins said. "Hate crimes that seek to demean and otherize people because of who they are, what they look like, or who they love are unacceptable and will be prosecuted.”

&#8220;Our city is proud of our diversity and for being an open and welcoming beacon to all people, especially those who have been marginalized elsewhere,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;Hate crimes that seek to demean and otherize people because of who they are, what they look like, or who they love are unacceptable and will be prosecuted.”

LGBTQ+ hate crime: Assault suspect arrested in San Francisco

A former officer who was rehired by the San Francisco Police Department to conduct background investigations on new recruits has been fired following <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/10/san-francisco-police-background-investigators-troubled-past/">two stories</a> by The Standard highlighting troubling incidents in his own background.&nbsp;

The police keep hiring troubled ex-cops to vet new recruits

A former officer who was rehired by the San Francisco Police Department to conduct background investigations on new recruits has been fired following <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/10/san-francisco-police-background-investigators-troubled-past/">two stories</a> by The Standard highlighting troubling incidents in his own background.&nbsp;

Richard Van Koll — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/san-francisco-police-background-investigator-richard-van-koll/">who was involved in a physical altercation</a> with former employees who are suing him for alleged unfair labor practices — retired from the SFPD in 2013, then&nbsp;worked for seven years as an investigator at the Contra Costa County district attorney’s office before being fired. He has sued, alleging age discrimination.&nbsp;

‘Problematic’: The SFPD hired a background checker with his own spotted past

Richard Van Koll — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/san-francisco-police-background-investigator-richard-van-koll/">who was involved in a physical altercation</a> with former employees who are suing him for alleged unfair labor practices — retired from the SFPD in 2013, then&nbsp;worked for seven years as an investigator at the Contra Costa County district attorney’s office before being fired. He has sued, alleging age discrimination.&nbsp;

The SFPD this year rehired Van Koll, despite his legal troubles and track record in Contra Costa. The Standard has learned that the department fired him Sept. 18. The SFPD did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

The SFPD this year rehired Van Koll, despite his legal troubles and track record in Contra Costa. The Standard has learned that the department fired him Sept. 18. The SFPD did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Background investigators play a key role in filtering incoming generations of police officers. Van Koll was tasked with looking for anything that might reflect poorly on a recruit’s judgment, such as unpaid bills or parking tickets, bad credit, and run-ins with the law.&nbsp;

Background investigators play a key role in filtering incoming generations of police officers. Van Koll was tasked with looking for anything that might reflect poorly on a recruit’s judgment, such as unpaid bills or parking tickets, bad credit, and run-ins with the law.&nbsp;

Members of San Francisco Police Department’s 280th recruitment class stand at attention in the San Francisco Police Academy, in San Francisco on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The class is the largest SFPD has seen in the last three years.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SFPDRecruits07262023_16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of uniformed officers stand attentively in a classroom setting. They wear light blue shirts and dark pants, with name tags visible on the desks in front." class="wp-image-187843"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Background investigators play a crucial role as gatekeepers for potential officers who enter the academy.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SFPDRecruits07262023_16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of uniformed officers stand attentively in a classroom setting. They wear light blue shirts and dark pants, with name tags visible on the desks in front." class="wp-image-187843"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Background investigators play a crucial role as gatekeepers for potential officers who enter the academy.</figcaption></figure>

Van Koll&#8217;s hiring, despite his record of legal issues, reflects a common practice by the SFPD of bringing in ex-officers with minimal scrutiny, said former internal affairs attorney Kelly O&#8217;Haire. “You can’t just hire people without a review,” she said. “That has to come from the top to ensure no favoritism, and a review of confidential background files. There has been a past practice of hiring friends. regardless of the background.&#8221;&nbsp;

Van Koll's hiring, despite his record of legal issues, reflects a common practice by the SFPD of bringing in ex-officers with minimal scrutiny, said former internal affairs attorney Kelly O'Haire. “You can’t just hire people without a review,” she said. “That has to come from the top to ensure no favoritism, and a review of confidential background files. There has been a past practice of hiring friends. regardless of the background."&nbsp;

Van Koll&#8217;s hiring, despite his record of legal issues, reflects a common practice by the SFPD of bringing in ex-officers with minimal scrutiny, said former internal affairs attorney Kelly O&#8217;Haire. “You can’t just hire people without a review,” she said. “That has to come from the top to ensure no favoritism, and a review of confidential background files. There has been a past practice of hiring friends. regardless of the background.&#8221;&nbsp;

Initially, the department told The Standard it had full confidence in its hiring decisions.&nbsp;

Initially, the department told The Standard it had full confidence in its hiring decisions.&nbsp;

When Chief Bill Scott was questioned about The Standard’s reporting on the hiring of&nbsp; Van Koll during a Sept. 4 Police Commission meeting, he said background checks for former officers are not as robust as those for potential officers, but “if we find out something after we hire them, we can make an adjustment at that time.”

When Chief Bill Scott was questioned about The Standard’s reporting on the hiring of&nbsp; Van Koll during a Sept. 4 Police Commission meeting, he said background checks for former officers are not as robust as those for potential officers, but “if we find out something after we hire them, we can make an adjustment at that time.”

Van Koll is being sued by two former employees, in-home health workers who cared for his elderly parents, for violating labor laws, including failing to pay them. Van Koll and those employees were also involved in a physical altercation that resulted in a police report, but there were no charges.&nbsp;

Van Koll is being sued by two former employees, in-home health workers who cared for his elderly parents, for violating labor laws, including failing to pay them. Van Koll and those employees were also involved in a physical altercation that resulted in a police report, but there were no charges.&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>'If we find out something after we hire them, we can make an adjustment at that time.'<cite>San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott</cite></blockquote></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>&#8216;If we find out something after we hire them, we can make an adjustment at that time.&#8217;<cite>San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott</cite></blockquote></figure>

Nathan Verbiscar-Brown, who represents the two health workers, said the firing is good news.&nbsp;

Nathan Verbiscar-Brown, who represents the two health workers, said the firing is good news.&nbsp;

“My clients are heartened by the news that Mr. Van Koll will no longer be working for the San Francisco Police Department,” he said. “Effective policing requires the trust of the community served, which in turn requires police to conduct themselves with integrity — those that enforce our laws must abide by them, whether criminal laws, labor laws, or landlord-tenant.”

“My clients are heartened by the news that Mr. Van Koll will no longer be working for the San Francisco Police Department,” he said. “Effective policing requires the trust of the community served, which in turn requires police to conduct themselves with integrity — those that enforce our laws must abide by them, whether criminal laws, labor laws, or landlord-tenant.”

Meanwhile, the&nbsp; Contra Costa County district attorney’s office alleged in court documents related to Van Koll’s lawsuit that a number of red flags arose during his time as an investigator, including episodes in which he left his firearm unattended on his desk and made unsanctioned personal use of his patrol car.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp; Contra Costa County district attorney’s office alleged in court documents related to Van Koll’s lawsuit that a number of red flags arose during his time as an investigator, including episodes in which he left his firearm unattended on his desk and made unsanctioned personal use of his patrol car.

SFPD fires background investigator after Standard report on his troubled past

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In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

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SFPD fires background investigator after Standard report on his troubled past