Annie Gaus

At a hearing about the San Francisco Police Department’s budget, Police Chief Bill Scott told members of the Board of Supervisors that the department is shrinking and requested funding for staff, technology and training.&nbsp;

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At a hearing about the San Francisco Police Department’s budget, Police Chief Bill Scott told members of the Board of Supervisors that the department is shrinking and requested funding for staff, technology and training.&nbsp;

The police department expects to lose 111 officers between fiscal year 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, according to Scott. As part of Mayor London Breed’s budget proposal, SFPD is requesting a total budget of $661 million for next fiscal year—a decrease of about $6 million compared to this year’s—followed by a budget of $689 million the year following.&nbsp;

The police department expects to lose 111 officers between fiscal year 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, according to Scott. As part of Mayor London Breed’s budget proposal, SFPD is requesting a total budget of $661 million for next fiscal year—a decrease of about $6 million compared to this year’s—followed by a budget of $689 million the year following.&nbsp;

Scott said that the funding is necessary for the department to carry out what the public expects of it—including a federal reform initiative launched in 2016—and to make investments in officer recruitment, training, technology and civilian staff to improve efficiency and comply with public records requests.&nbsp;

Scott said that the funding is necessary for the department to carry out what the public expects of it—including a federal reform initiative launched in 2016—and to make investments in officer recruitment, training, technology and civilian staff to improve efficiency and comply with public records requests.&nbsp;

“Our asks center around how we can make things like [retail crime] better, and not have our city be the face of chaos,” said Scott at the hearing on Thursday. “And it really starts with staffing, and not only just staffing, but us doing the jobs the right way.”&nbsp;

“Our asks center around how we can make things like [retail crime] better, and not have our city be the face of chaos,” said Scott at the hearing on Thursday. “And it really starts with staffing, and not only just staffing, but us doing the jobs the right way.”&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Scott appeared on CNN to discuss organized retail crime following <a href="https://twitter.com/abc7newsbayarea/status/1404834911106830348">a viral video</a> showing a theft in a Walgreens.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Scott appeared on CNN to discuss organized retail crime following <a href="https://twitter.com/abc7newsbayarea/status/1404834911106830348">a viral video</a> showing a theft in a Walgreens.&nbsp;

According to Scott, about 500 of SFPD’s roughly 1,780 sworn officers are eligible for retirement. In addition, the department is short about 70 civilian employees, which he said are needed “just to get us in compliance with things like our transparency law that was mandated with the passage of [SB 1421]. We have public records requests that we can’t even get to.” Enacted in 2020, California’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1421">SB 1421</a> expanded the range of police misconduct records that must be disclosed, and SFPD reported a backlog of more than 18,000 requests.&nbsp;

According to Scott, about 500 of SFPD’s roughly 1,780 sworn officers are eligible for retirement. In addition, the department is short about 70 civilian employees, which he said are needed “just to get us in compliance with things like our transparency law that was mandated with the passage of [SB 1421]. We have public records requests that we can’t even get to.” Enacted in 2020, California’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1421">SB 1421</a> expanded the range of police misconduct records that must be disclosed, and SFPD reported a backlog of more than 18,000 requests.&nbsp;

“We wind up having to put officers in those seats responding to requests, and that’s not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Scott. SFPD’s budget requests include $18 million for technology in fiscal 2023, a figure that includes funding for a major overhaul of the department’s records management system.

“We wind up having to put officers in those seats responding to requests, and that’s not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Scott. SFPD’s budget requests include $18 million for technology in fiscal 2023, a figure that includes funding for a major overhaul of the department’s records management system.

“We don’t have anything to hide. We’re an open book, we want to get better, but we need your support to do that,” Scott said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We don’t have anything to hide. We’re an open book, we want to get better, but we need your support to do that,” Scott said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a review of SFPD in the wake of several high-profile police shootings, and issued 272 <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceDocuments/Transparency/DOJ_COPS%20CRI_SFPD%20OCT%202016%20Assessment.pdf">recommendations for reform</a>, which ranged from improving data collection on use-of-force incidents to de-escalation training. To date, the department has completed 253 of the 272 recommendations.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a review of SFPD in the wake of several high-profile police shootings, and issued 272 <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceDocuments/Transparency/DOJ_COPS%20CRI_SFPD%20OCT%202016%20Assessment.pdf">recommendations for reform</a>, which ranged from improving data collection on use-of-force incidents to de-escalation training. To date, the department has completed 253 of the 272 recommendations.

The department says it is also undertaking internal reforms aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion in its ranks, and Scott pointed to increased diversity among its newer recruits. SFPD’s 2020 academy class was 22% Hispanic, 29% Asian, 15% Black and 9% Filipino, according to police data.&nbsp;

The department says it is also undertaking internal reforms aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion in its ranks, and Scott pointed to increased diversity among its newer recruits. SFPD’s 2020 academy class was 22% Hispanic, 29% Asian, 15% Black and 9% Filipino, according to police data.&nbsp;

As part of a local reform effort, announced by Breed in July 2020, the city is seeking to shift responsibilities for some street-level incidents, such as behavioral health crises, to other agencies. At Thursday’s hearing, Supervisor Dean Preston asked why the police budget wasn’t smaller given the introduction of alternative safety programs: “I hope we’ll take a bold approach with that,” he said.&nbsp;

As part of a local reform effort, announced by Breed in July 2020, the city is seeking to shift responsibilities for some street-level incidents, such as behavioral health crises, to other agencies. At Thursday’s hearing, Supervisor Dean Preston asked why the police budget wasn’t smaller given the introduction of alternative safety programs: “I hope we’ll take a bold approach with that,” he said.&nbsp;

Scott responded that he is in favor of “right-sizing” SFPD as alternative programs are rolled out, but that it is too early to know how exactly those alternatives correspond with police funding. Officer training and development, which takes officers out of the field, must also be accounted for, according to Scott.&nbsp;

Scott responded that he is in favor of “right-sizing” SFPD as alternative programs are rolled out, but that it is too early to know how exactly those alternatives correspond with police funding. Officer training and development, which takes officers out of the field, must also be accounted for, according to Scott.&nbsp;

Asked by Supervisor Gordon Mar how alternative programs will affect future staffing levels, Scott said that he “[wants] to see it work” and that the success of those would allow police to better address issues like retail theft and gun crimes.&nbsp;

Asked by Supervisor Gordon Mar how alternative programs will affect future staffing levels, Scott said that he “[wants] to see it work” and that the success of those would allow police to better address issues like retail theft and gun crimes.&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it&#8230;I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it...I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it&#8230;I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

Pending budget approval, many of the alternative public safety programs will be <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">focused on downtown</a> and adjacent areas.&nbsp;

Pending budget approval, many of the alternative public safety programs will be <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">focused on downtown</a> and adjacent areas.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin, Civic Center and Mid-Market neighborhoods, the city is expected to fund teams of unarmed “community ambassadors” provided by a nonprofit called Urban Alchemy to help respond to street-level complaints.

In the Tenderloin, Civic Center and Mid-Market neighborhoods, the city is expected to fund teams of unarmed “community ambassadors” provided by a nonprofit called Urban Alchemy to help respond to street-level complaints.

In the Union Square area, Breed is <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission081920-SFPDCommunityAmbassadorProgramOverview.pdf">requesting funding</a> for another pool of ambassadors that are largely retired police officers. Those ambassadors are trained to act as a friendly presence, helping to steer people in need to services and cultivate a more welcoming environment.

In the Union Square area, Breed is <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission081920-SFPDCommunityAmbassadorProgramOverview.pdf">requesting funding</a> for another pool of ambassadors that are largely retired police officers. Those ambassadors are trained to act as a friendly presence, helping to steer people in need to services and cultivate a more welcoming environment.

SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

Josh Koehn

Until this spring, Matt Dorsey spent the bulk of his career selling San Franciscans on the ideas of others. By the time a press statement or an op-ed under his control made its way out the door for public consumption, Dorsey’s fingerprints had usually been wiped clean. People inside the room always knew better.

Until this spring, Matt Dorsey spent the bulk of his career selling San Franciscans on the ideas of others. By the time a press statement or an op-ed under his control made its way out the door for public consumption, Dorsey’s fingerprints had usually been wiped clean. People inside the room always knew better.

As a deeply embedded political consultant, a spokesman of 14 years with the City Attorney&#8217;s Office, a two-year head of strategic communications for the police department and now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">an appointed supervisor</a> running in November&#8217;s election, Dorsey knows where the bodies are buried and how to sell a story.&nbsp;

As a deeply embedded political consultant, a spokesman of 14 years with the City Attorney's Office, a two-year head of strategic communications for the police department and now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">an appointed supervisor</a> running in November's election, Dorsey knows where the bodies are buried and how to sell a story.&nbsp;

As a deeply embedded political consultant, a spokesman of 14 years with the City Attorney&#8217;s Office, a two-year head of strategic communications for the police department and now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">an appointed supervisor</a> running in November&#8217;s election, Dorsey knows where the bodies are buried and how to sell a story.&nbsp;

“In a democracy,” Dorsey said in an interview this month, “communications is governing.”

“In a democracy,” Dorsey said in an interview this month, “communications is governing.”

His writing career started at Emerson College, where he learned how to influence public opinion as a campaign operative and ghostwriter. Over the course of three decades, his words have been relayed by a slew of San Francisco politicians and public agencies looking to control the narrative, and his strategic advice has often extended beyond the departments in which he works.&nbsp;

His writing career started at Emerson College, where he learned how to influence public opinion as a campaign operative and ghostwriter. Over the course of three decades, his words have been relayed by a slew of San Francisco politicians and public agencies looking to control the narrative, and his strategic advice has often extended beyond the departments in which he works.&nbsp;

“I have to tell you, he was much more than simply a communications person,” said Dennis Herrera, the former city attorney and current head of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “He was part of my leadership team. He worked with all of our lawyers on some of the biggest legal issues of the past two decades.”

“I have to tell you, he was much more than simply a communications person,” said Dennis Herrera, the former city attorney and current head of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “He was part of my leadership team. He worked with all of our lawyers on some of the biggest legal issues of the past two decades.”

San Francisco City Attorney's office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84739"/><figcaption>San Francisco City Attorney&#8217;s office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84739"/><figcaption>San Francisco City Attorney's office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84739"/><figcaption>San Francisco City Attorney&#8217;s office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>

Dorsey’s writing typically combines a keen eye for details, dashes of empathy—he is almost universally regarded as a nice person—and a heavy dose of bravado. Projecting confidence is key to the Dorsey playbook. Among the many lessons he learned while confronting crises and earning his bosses positive press, one was to consistently reinforce a key message to the public: Progress is not only on the horizon—it is already being made.

Dorsey’s writing typically combines a keen eye for details, dashes of empathy—he is almost universally regarded as a nice person—and a heavy dose of bravado. Projecting confidence is key to the Dorsey playbook. Among the many lessons he learned while confronting crises and earning his bosses positive press, one was to consistently reinforce a key message to the public: Progress is not only on the horizon—it is already being made.

Since his May appointment as supervisor for San Francisco&#8217;s Sixth District, which includes the South of Market area, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Mission Bay and Treasure Island, Dorsey’s insatiable work ethic has been on full display. He has held numerous press events with Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief Bill Scott. This foursome have linked arms since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall/">the recall of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin</a> and vowed that, together, they are addressing the drug crisis and quality-of-life concerns plaguing San Francisco’s Downtown core.

Since his May appointment as supervisor for San Francisco's Sixth District, which includes the South of Market area, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Mission Bay and Treasure Island, Dorsey’s insatiable work ethic has been on full display. He has held numerous press events with Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief Bill Scott. This foursome have linked arms since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall/">the recall of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin</a> and vowed that, together, they are addressing the drug crisis and quality-of-life concerns plaguing San Francisco’s Downtown core.

Since his May appointment as supervisor for San Francisco&#8217;s Sixth District, which includes the South of Market area, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Mission Bay and Treasure Island, Dorsey’s insatiable work ethic has been on full display. He has held numerous press events with Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief Bill Scott. This foursome have linked arms since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall/">the recall of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin</a> and vowed that, together, they are addressing the drug crisis and quality-of-life concerns plaguing San Francisco’s Downtown core.

In a savvy move to corral earned media ahead of the election next month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">Dorsey released a 27-page resolution</a>—replete with footnotes—on how he hopes to pool the city’s immense resources and finally address the city’s drug epidemic. The chances of his plan coming to fruition are likely slimmer than the documents on which they are written, but Dorsey received credit in most corners of City Hall for his collegiality in attempting to bring commissions and departments together.&nbsp;

In a savvy move to corral earned media ahead of the election next month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">Dorsey released a 27-page resolution</a>—replete with footnotes—on how he hopes to pool the city’s immense resources and finally address the city’s drug epidemic. The chances of his plan coming to fruition are likely slimmer than the documents on which they are written, but Dorsey received credit in most corners of City Hall for his collegiality in attempting to bring commissions and departments together.&nbsp;

And while he claims a run for office higher than his current perch is not in the cards, the longtime political puppetmaster’s ambitions are starting to take form.

And while he claims a run for office higher than his current perch is not in the cards, the longtime political puppetmaster’s ambitions are starting to take form.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-salesman">The Salesman</h2>

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<h2 id="h-the-salesman">The Salesman</h2>

It feels a bit on the nose for an interview in Dorsey’s Mission Street campaign headquarters, which he shares with DA Jenkins, to take place in an interrogation room, but here we are. Across a sparse table, the 57-year-old former police spokesman is sitting under two yellow lamps descending from the ceiling and telling his life story, from coming to San Francisco in 1990 to work on then-DA Arlo Smith’s campaign for state attorney general to massaging all manner of messages coming out of City Hall.

It feels a bit on the nose for an interview in Dorsey’s Mission Street campaign headquarters, which he shares with DA Jenkins, to take place in an interrogation room, but here we are. Across a sparse table, the 57-year-old former police spokesman is sitting under two yellow lamps descending from the ceiling and telling his life story, from coming to San Francisco in 1990 to work on then-DA Arlo Smith’s campaign for state attorney general to massaging all manner of messages coming out of City Hall.

This includes going after Juul when the e-cigarette company was found to be targeting minors in its marketing, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights when the city began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and, most recently, shielding the police department and its brass from political blowback amid a public furor over crime.

This includes going after Juul when the e-cigarette company was found to be targeting minors in its marketing, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights when the city began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and, most recently, shielding the police department and its brass from political blowback amid a public furor over crime.

“I&#8217;m a believer in reform, and I do think that the Chief [Bill Scott] has been doing great work,” Dorsey said of his former boss. “That doesn&#8217;t mean that I&#8217;m being a copagandist. I do think I wanted to be an evangelist for reform.”

“I'm a believer in reform, and I do think that the Chief [Bill Scott] has been doing great work,” Dorsey said of his former boss. “That doesn't mean that I'm being a copagandist. I do think I wanted to be an evangelist for reform.”

“I&#8217;m a believer in reform, and I do think that the Chief [Bill Scott] has been doing great work,” Dorsey said of his former boss. “That doesn&#8217;t mean that I&#8217;m being a copagandist. I do think I wanted to be an evangelist for reform.”

Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses a crowd at a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade outside San Francisco City Hall on June 24, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84748"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses a crowd at a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade outside San Francisco City Hall on June 24, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Since this spring, Dorsey has traded ghost-written bylines for stump speeches in which he shakes a thumb-extended fist and quotes the late gay rights icon Harvey Milk. He grins and he talks about hope in a city going through the throes of addiction and homelessness. A Dorsey speech also rarely omits his own struggles with addiction as an earnest example of why San Francisco should buy what he’s selling. In <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/live-blog-sf-standards-district-6-supervisor-debate/">a debate held this month at The Standard’s offices</a>, he called this work “the obligation of my survival.”

Since this spring, Dorsey has traded ghost-written bylines for stump speeches in which he shakes a thumb-extended fist and quotes the late gay rights icon Harvey Milk. He grins and he talks about hope in a city going through the throes of addiction and homelessness. A Dorsey speech also rarely omits his own struggles with addiction as an earnest example of why San Francisco should buy what he’s selling. In <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/live-blog-sf-standards-district-6-supervisor-debate/">a debate held this month at The Standard’s offices</a>, he called this work “the obligation of my survival.”

“He’s got a lot of ideas, and he loves talking about them,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who is a longtime friend and supporter of Dorsey’s. “He thinks a lot about framing and how to solve a problem. And he will talk your ear off about it. As a politician, he has a very Irish Catholic, Massachusetts-ey style.”

“He’s got a lot of ideas, and he loves talking about them,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who is a longtime friend and supporter of Dorsey’s. “He thinks a lot about framing and how to solve a problem. And he will talk your ear off about it. As a politician, he has a very Irish Catholic, Massachusetts-ey style.”

His critics—and there are more than a few in the more progressive wing of the city’s Democratic Party—would argue that Dorsey’s goals aren’t the issue, but rather it’s the paradox in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">how he merges harm reduction and tough-on-crime talk</a>.

His critics—and there are more than a few in the more progressive wing of the city’s Democratic Party—would argue that Dorsey’s goals aren’t the issue, but rather it’s the paradox in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">how he merges harm reduction and tough-on-crime talk</a>.

Peter Calloway, a public defender in the city who has accused Dorsey and Jenkins’ rhetoric as a futile attempt to incarcerate San Francisco out of its problems, said he and others have had trouble pinning the supervisor down.&nbsp;

Peter Calloway, a public defender in the city who has accused Dorsey and Jenkins’ rhetoric as a futile attempt to incarcerate San Francisco out of its problems, said he and others have had trouble pinning the supervisor down.&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks out in support of safe-consumption sites at a press conference at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church on Aug. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84754"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks out in support of safe-consumption sites at a press conference at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church on Aug. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“I think his messaging is effective,” said Calloway, who lives in the Tenderloin, which up until the spring redistricting process was part of District 6. “But to what end?”

“I think his messaging is effective,” said Calloway, who lives in the Tenderloin, which up until the spring redistricting process was part of District 6. “But to what end?”

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/john-crew-police-reform-san-francisco-obituary/">John Crew, an attorney and police reformer</a> who died earlier this month, told The Standard in an interview over the summer that Dorsey’s impact on the police department was substantial and oftentimes overtly political.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/john-crew-police-reform-san-francisco-obituary/">John Crew, an attorney and police reformer</a> who died earlier this month, told The Standard in an interview over the summer that Dorsey’s impact on the police department was substantial and oftentimes overtly political.

“It’s important for police officers to understand their obligation to tell the truth,” Crew said, whether it be writing crime reports or testifying in court. “When you lie on every press release, when you completely spin and misuse the use-of-force data—when officers see the department operate in such a blatantly political fashion, it creates an environment that is very dangerous.”

“It’s important for police officers to understand their obligation to tell the truth,” Crew said, whether it be writing crime reports or testifying in court. “When you lie on every press release, when you completely spin and misuse the use-of-force data—when officers see the department operate in such a blatantly political fashion, it creates an environment that is very dangerous.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-addict">The Addict</h2>

The pressure of stepping out of the staffing shadows and into the limelight as an elected official in San Francisco is a risky proposition for Dorsey.

The pressure of stepping out of the staffing shadows and into the limelight as an elected official in San Francisco is a risky proposition for Dorsey.

David Chiu, the current city attorney and a former supervisor, once compared the city’s politics to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Chiu-a-moderate-in-SF-but-a-radical-in-Sacramento-8348850.php">“a knife fight in a phone booth.”</a> Dorsey touts his experience with addiction—he said he first became sober Dec. 2, 1992—as a trait that makes him uniquely qualified to understand and confront a drug crisis that claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people in the city during 2020 and 2021.

David Chiu, the current city attorney and a former supervisor, once compared the city’s politics to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Chiu-a-moderate-in-SF-but-a-radical-in-Sacramento-8348850.php">“a knife fight in a phone booth.”</a> Dorsey touts his experience with addiction—he said he first became sober Dec. 2, 1992—as a trait that makes him uniquely qualified to understand and confront a drug crisis that claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people in the city during 2020 and 2021.

While out campaigning ahead of the Nov. 8 election, which is now underway thanks to mail-in ballots, Dorsey has been candid about his recent relapses. He went to rehab in 2018 and stumbled again in 2020—the latter being the same year he took a job as the director of strategic communications for the police department.

While out campaigning ahead of the Nov. 8 election, which is now underway thanks to mail-in ballots, Dorsey has been candid about his recent relapses. He went to rehab in 2018 and stumbled again in 2020—the latter being the same year he took a job as the director of strategic communications for the police department.

Dorsey said he took crystal meth, GHB “and party drugs like ecstasy or MDMA” during his 2018 relapse.&nbsp;

Dorsey said he took crystal meth, GHB “and party drugs like ecstasy or MDMA” during his 2018 relapse.&nbsp;

“I’m a gay man, and if the right hot guy asks if I want to party, you know, if I&#8217;m not doing my part to work a good program, I can be vulnerable to some bad decisions,” he said.

“I’m a gay man, and if the right hot guy asks if I want to party, you know, if I'm not doing my part to work a good program, I can be vulnerable to some bad decisions,” he said.

“I’m a gay man, and if the right hot guy asks if I want to party, you know, if I&#8217;m not doing my part to work a good program, I can be vulnerable to some bad decisions,” he said.

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The Standard offices on Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED07-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84763"/><figcaption>San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The Standard offices on Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In 2020, Dorsey said, he fell off the wagon again as the pandemic lockdown took hold and he realized in a moment of weakness that he had GHB in his apartment.

In 2020, Dorsey said, he fell off the wagon again as the pandemic lockdown took hold and he realized in a moment of weakness that he had GHB in his apartment.

“In some ways, I think especially doing politics, I don&#8217;t know that I can even competently do this if I didn&#8217;t have a program,” Dorsey said. “Today, I&#8217;m in a place where I&#8217;m so grateful for the program I have that I&#8217;m grateful for the disease that got me there. It helps me have perspective. It keeps me humble. It keeps me service-oriented.”

“In some ways, I think especially doing politics, I don't know that I can even competently do this if I didn't have a program,” Dorsey said. “Today, I'm in a place where I'm so grateful for the program I have that I'm grateful for the disease that got me there. It helps me have perspective. It keeps me humble. It keeps me service-oriented.”

“In some ways, I think especially doing politics, I don&#8217;t know that I can even competently do this if I didn&#8217;t have a program,” Dorsey said. “Today, I&#8217;m in a place where I&#8217;m so grateful for the program I have that I&#8217;m grateful for the disease that got me there. It helps me have perspective. It keeps me humble. It keeps me service-oriented.”

Mayor Breed said she appointed Dorsey over his election challenger Honey Mahogany, a social worker and trans woman, after residents told her their top concern is crime.

Mayor Breed said she appointed Dorsey over his election challenger Honey Mahogany, a social worker and trans woman, after residents told her their top concern is crime.

“Matt rose above the rest of the people that I talked to, in terms of his strong commitment to be very assertive on how he works on public safety for the people of that district,” Breed said. “I like that he is doing exactly what he said he was going to do.”

“Matt rose above the rest of the people that I talked to, in terms of his strong commitment to be very assertive on how he works on public safety for the people of that district,” Breed said. “I like that he is doing exactly what he said he was going to do.”

Supervisor Matt Dorsey watches San Francisco Mayor London Breed speak at a press conference before a neighborhood walk regarding the state of businesses in the South of Market area on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED05.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84757"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey watches San Francisco Mayor London Breed speak at a press conference before a neighborhood walk regarding the state of businesses in the South of Market area on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Dorsey actively sought the mayor’s appointment and quickly supported her proposal to substantially increase spending and officers’ access to surveillance tools. But while some would call this a sign of consistency or reliability, Dorsey’s opponents would call it craven obedience.

Dorsey actively sought the mayor’s appointment and quickly supported her proposal to substantially increase spending and officers’ access to surveillance tools. But while some would call this a sign of consistency or reliability, Dorsey’s opponents would call it craven obedience.

“Matt Dorsey has always been accountable to somebody else, whether it be the police or, in this case, the mayor,” Mahogany said.

“Matt Dorsey has always been accountable to somebody else, whether it be the police or, in this case, the mayor,” Mahogany said.

Mayor Breed rejected that premise.

“To imply that Matt is not independent is really disrespectful and wrong in light of everything that he’s done in light of his service to the city,” she said. “That’s ridiculous.”

“To imply that Matt is not independent is really disrespectful and wrong in light of everything that he’s done in light of his service to the city,” she said. “That’s ridiculous.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-survivor">The Survivor</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-survivor">The Survivor</h2>

Matt Dorsey is an addict, a brother and a godfather, a gay man and survivor of HIV, a lover of One Direction and Bruce Springsteen, a marathon runner, a dinner party raconteur, and also a rare Irish Catholic who isn’t ridden with guilt.

Matt Dorsey is an addict, a brother and a godfather, a gay man and survivor of HIV, a lover of One Direction and Bruce Springsteen, a marathon runner, a dinner party raconteur, and also a rare Irish Catholic who isn’t ridden with guilt.

But in nearly a dozen interviews with people who have worked with and against Dorsey, one description repeatedly emerges. He has the rarest of reputations at San Francisco City Hall: He’s a nice guy.

But in nearly a dozen interviews with people who have worked with and against Dorsey, one description repeatedly emerges. He has the rarest of reputations at San Francisco City Hall: He’s a nice guy.

Days after he was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Matt Dorsey introduces himself to a group of California Highway Patrol officers while touring his district on May 21, 2022.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED09-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84769"/><figcaption>Days after he was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Matt Dorsey introduces himself to a group of California Highway Patrol officers while touring his district on May 21, 2022. | Nick Otto for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Keeping up a facade of friendliness over the course of two decades is nearly impossible in a building that oozes toxicity. But there is a near consensus that Dorsey is a genuinely good person who works at a maniacal pace and suffers from moments of weakness. His generosity to others has often been returned during these struggles.

Keeping up a facade of friendliness over the course of two decades is nearly impossible in a building that oozes toxicity. But there is a near consensus that Dorsey is a genuinely good person who works at a maniacal pace and suffers from moments of weakness. His generosity to others has often been returned during these struggles.

Aside from losing both of his parents, one of his lowest moments came in 2003, when he tested positive for HIV.

Aside from losing both of his parents, one of his lowest moments came in 2003, when he tested positive for HIV.

“I was surprised by the result,” Dorsey said. “I actually thought the test was false, that there must have been a false-negative previously, because there was one incident where something unsafe happened. […] What I realized, years later, was that the likelihood of a false negative is very, very small and what likely happened was condom failure, which is why <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html">PrEP</a> is so important.”

“I was surprised by the result,” Dorsey said. “I actually thought the test was false, that there must have been a false-negative previously, because there was one incident where something unsafe happened. […] What I realized, years later, was that the likelihood of a false negative is very, very small and what likely happened was condom failure, which is why <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html">PrEP</a> is so important.”

He tried to put on a brave face when telling friends and family, but it wasn’t until he went to lunch with Jeff Sheehy, a former District 8 supervisor who is gay and also talks openly about his own HIV diagnosis, that he found some solace in knowing he would be all right.

He tried to put on a brave face when telling friends and family, but it wasn’t until he went to lunch with Jeff Sheehy, a former District 8 supervisor who is gay and also talks openly about his own HIV diagnosis, that he found some solace in knowing he would be all right.

“Jeff Sheehy sat me down and said, ‘Get this doctor, get this insurance, do this, do this, do this. You’re going to be OK,’” Dorsey said. “I will always remember Jeff Sheehy’s friendship. So, that matters—and still matters a lot to me. And in some ways it was a wake up call. Right after that I started running marathons.”

“Jeff Sheehy sat me down and said, ‘Get this doctor, get this insurance, do this, do this, do this. You’re going to be OK,’” Dorsey said. “I will always remember Jeff Sheehy’s friendship. So, that matters—and still matters a lot to me. And in some ways it was a wake up call. Right after that I started running marathons.”

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey stands in front of a mural at Bessie Carmichael Middle School ahead of a community cleaning event with San Francisco Public Works on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED10-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84773"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey stands in front of a mural at Bessie Carmichael Middle School ahead of a community cleaning event with San Francisco Public Works on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Dorsey, who has been in a relationship with his partner for a year, declined to go into the details of his recovery program, but a key part of his personality is to do everything big. He nerds out on research, and he has traded the wild days for hard times running the hills of San Francisco.

Dorsey, who has been in a relationship with his partner for a year, declined to go into the details of his recovery program, but a key part of his personality is to do everything big. He nerds out on research, and he has traded the wild days for hard times running the hills of San Francisco.

“I love running because it makes me love my city,” he said. “Just being able to go out on a long run for 16 miles, I&#8217;m never going to win one of these [races]. But endurance running is kind of nice for me.”

“I love running because it makes me love my city,” he said. “Just being able to go out on a long run for 16 miles, I'm never going to win one of these [races]. But endurance running is kind of nice for me.”

“I love running because it makes me love my city,” he said. “Just being able to go out on a long run for 16 miles, I&#8217;m never going to win one of these [races]. But endurance running is kind of nice for me.”

<a href="https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=news&amp;id=300768">Dave Burke, a San Francisco police liaison</a> and Dorsey’s closest friend going back to their time as roommates in Boston after college, was with Dorsey during the hard times and has been inspired to see him bounce back.

<a href="https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=news&amp;id=300768">Dave Burke, a San Francisco police liaison</a> and Dorsey’s closest friend going back to their time as roommates in Boston after college, was with Dorsey during the hard times and has been inspired to see him bounce back.

“He’s the kind of guy who dives in on everything,” Burke said. “He’s ridiculously thoughtful, both on a personal and professional level.”

“He’s the kind of guy who dives in on everything,” Burke said. “He’s ridiculously thoughtful, both on a personal and professional level.”

Perhaps one of the biggest tests of character and professionalism, he added, came in 2020 when Dorsey admitted to Chief Scott he had broken the law and relapsed with a Schedule I controlled substance.

Perhaps one of the biggest tests of character and professionalism, he added, came in 2020 when Dorsey admitted to Chief Scott he had broken the law and relapsed with a Schedule I controlled substance.

“I told Matt, my biggest fear is that I’m going to go down to the [Medical Examiner&#8217;s] Office and they&#8217;re going to pull my friend out of a god-damned drawer,” Burke said. “He felt it was the only way to keep his job. I give him credit for having the balls to do that. And I give Chief Scott the credit for seeing that in him.”

“I told Matt, my biggest fear is that I’m going to go down to the [Medical Examiner's] Office and they're going to pull my friend out of a god-damned drawer,” Burke said. “He felt it was the only way to keep his job. I give him credit for having the balls to do that. And I give Chief Scott the credit for seeing that in him.”

“I told Matt, my biggest fear is that I’m going to go down to the [Medical Examiner&#8217;s] Office and they&#8217;re going to pull my friend out of a god-damned drawer,” Burke said. “He felt it was the only way to keep his job. I give him credit for having the balls to do that. And I give Chief Scott the credit for seeing that in him.”

Chief Scott declined requests to be interviewed for this story.

Chief Scott declined requests to be interviewed for this story.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks with people on Minna St. during a community cleaning and beautification day with San Francisco Public Works workers and District 6 volunteers on October 15, 2022. In remarks before the event, Dorsey had spoken with volunteers about his own relationship with drugs and addiction. “I have left plenty of messes for others to clean up,” he said earlier. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED11-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84791"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey talks with people on Minna Street during a community cleaning event on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Not long after his supervisor appointment in May, Dorsey attended a recovery event and was approached by Afshin Palomo, a 33-year-old city resident who has also struggled with addiction and was inspired by Dorsey’s story.&nbsp;

Not long after his supervisor appointment in May, Dorsey attended a recovery event and was approached by Afshin Palomo, a 33-year-old city resident who has also struggled with addiction and was inspired by Dorsey’s story.&nbsp;

“We just ended up chopping it up about recovery in general, and I mentioned to him that I had been loyal to myself in making a step to change my life,” Palomo said. “It was kind of spur of the moment and I asked him, ‘Hey, are you interested in picking up a sponsee?’ I had no idea about anything that had to do with who he was or what he was up to in life.”

“We just ended up chopping it up about recovery in general, and I mentioned to him that I had been loyal to myself in making a step to change my life,” Palomo said. “It was kind of spur of the moment and I asked him, ‘Hey, are you interested in picking up a sponsee?’ I had no idea about anything that had to do with who he was or what he was up to in life.”

Dorsey was surprised by the request, saying his instinct was to decline.

Dorsey was surprised by the request, saying his instinct was to decline.

“I was about to say, ‘I can&#8217;t. I&#8217;ve got to be a supervisor. I got to get the campaign off,’” Dorsey said. “But the thing is, as if telepathically, my sponsor connected to my ear and said, ‘What&#8217;s more important than this?’ And I looked at him and I said, ‘Alright.’”

“I was about to say, ‘I can't. I've got to be a supervisor. I got to get the campaign off,’” Dorsey said. “But the thing is, as if telepathically, my sponsor connected to my ear and said, ‘What's more important than this?’ And I looked at him and I said, ‘Alright.’”

“I was about to say, ‘I can&#8217;t. I&#8217;ve got to be a supervisor. I got to get the campaign off,’” Dorsey said. “But the thing is, as if telepathically, my sponsor connected to my ear and said, ‘What&#8217;s more important than this?’ And I looked at him and I said, ‘Alright.’”

Over the last three months, Dorsey and Palomo have been texting in addition to talking on the phone in weekly scheduled calls. It’s a noble thing to do, and yet, the problems Dorsey is tasked with confronting involve helping thousands more people who are suffering on the streets in the grip of addiction.

Over the last three months, Dorsey and Palomo have been texting in addition to talking on the phone in weekly scheduled calls. It’s a noble thing to do, and yet, the problems Dorsey is tasked with confronting involve helping thousands more people who are suffering on the streets in the grip of addiction.

“My time as a supervisor,” he said, “if I get it right and if there is a superpower I bring to this, it’s that there&#8217;s never going to come a day that I walk into City Hall without knowing that I&#8217;m an addict.”

“My time as a supervisor,” he said, “if I get it right and if there is a superpower I bring to this, it’s that there's never going to come a day that I walk into City Hall without knowing that I'm an addict.”

“My time as a supervisor,” he said, “if I get it right and if there is a superpower I bring to this, it’s that there&#8217;s never going to come a day that I walk into City Hall without knowing that I&#8217;m an addict.”

Following an interview at his campaign headquarters, Dorsey looked over his shoulder to see a hole in the window overlooking the seedy alley that is Minna Street. He got up and inspected it, only to then see a woman through the glass. She sat on the ground, belongings strewn around her, holding a glass pipe and raising a small torch. At the end of the alley, a police SUV sat idle at the corner. Dorsey watched the woman smoke her drugs.

Following an interview at his campaign headquarters, Dorsey looked over his shoulder to see a hole in the window overlooking the seedy alley that is Minna Street. He got up and inspected it, only to then see a woman through the glass. She sat on the ground, belongings strewn around her, holding a glass pipe and raising a small torch. At the end of the alley, a police SUV sat idle at the corner. Dorsey watched the woman smoke her drugs.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-5.21.07-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-84787"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey watches a woman smoke drugs in an alley behind his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on Oct. 11, 2022. I Josh Koehn/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

Sophie Bearman

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

Mayor Breed unveils $13B budget plan aimed at ‘equitable recovery’

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SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

Mayor Breed unveils $13B budget plan aimed at ‘equitable recovery’