The growing rift between city supervisors and the police chief has led to a resolution calling for the department’s top brass to come under the supervision of the county sheriff.
Police Chief Heather Fong and the supervisors had been sparring over expanding foot patrols in the Western Addition and Hayes Valley, with the supervisors expanding that legislation to cover the entire city. Fong insists the law is not necessary.
“I as a chief, the command staff, the captains, are committed to foot beats throughout our city,” Fong said.
“I'm confident that working together, looking at the number of resources available, that we can develop a plan in order to increase the number of beats that are stocked in this city,” she said.
The board voted to hold more hearings on the issue, but the conflict between the supervisors and Fong was not settled. Supervisor Chris Daly introduced a resolution calling for elimination of the police chief post. Instead, the elected sheriff would oversee all law enforcement in the city and county.
“If they're keep the attacks on me, I’ll keep moving forward what I think is good public policy,” Daly said. “What they fear is the end of their reign of terror in San Francisco.”
The board voted to hold a series of hearings on Daly’s proposal, which would place a charter amendment before voters in the November 2007 election.
Both measures amount to broadside attacks on chief Fong, and reflect the growing frustration in City Hall with crime and violence.
(jro)
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