SAN FRANCISCO CITY OFFICIALS
AND COMMUNITY LEADERS REACT
TO VIDEOS RELEASED YESTERDAY

From the Mayor's Office of Communications

December 8, 2005

Statement from District 10 Supervisor Sophie Maxwell:
“Many of us have felt that the Police Department faces systemic problems. I expect a full investigation and disciplinary action of the people involved.

I also expect this incident to bring about fundamental change within the Police Department. This is an opportunity for us to make our police force truly reflective of the best of San Francisco.”

Statement from District 4 Supervisor Fiona Ma:
“We need to practice zero tolerance when it comes to racism and intolerance, especially San Francisco where we celebrate our diversity. These officers should be immediately suspended and judgment handed down quickly as a consequence for their actions. These officers are supposed to protect us and inspire confidence. We need to get rid of the bad apples so as not to poison the entire department, and the good men and women who put their lives on the lines to protect us everyday.”

Statement from Assessor Phil Ting:
“San Francisco has always represented tolerance and diversity throughout the world. We cannot tolerate any discriminatory behavior within our civic institutions especially those entrusted with our public safety. As a long time advocate for civil rights, I believe we can never be too vigilant when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable communities in our city. As city leaders, we cannot allow the singling out of communities based on their race, gender, national origin or sexual orientation.”

Statement from Treasurer Jose Cisneros:
“While I know this incident is not reflective of the majority of members of the San Francisco Police Department, I fully support the efforts of the Mayor and Police Chief to aggressively investigate and deal appropriately with all involved. It is critical that the city act swiftly and strongly in response to this behavior. ”

Statement from Rev. Pastor Arelious Walker, True Hope Church of God in Christ:
“I am extremely disappointed and outraged at the headline video’s concerning the San Francisco Police Department. I have a certain amount of faith in the Police officers of our city, especially the officers stationed in Bayview Hunters Point, which is where I live. We have a problem with violence in our neighborhood and I’ve always encouraged a positive relationship with Captain Rick Bruce and the Bayview Station, in our efforts to help reduce violence in our community.

For a video to be on a website of one of the officers we are paying with our tax dollars, and to see officers ridiculing, making racial comments and slurs concerning the gay community, the African American community and the Asian community, is totally unacceptable. I have been working for the last 35 years to try to help reduce violence, and this is not the type of performance that will help address that.”

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