Committee approves amended salary ordinance to alter police command staffing and create officer positions

Board President Aaron Peskin used presidential privilege to appoint himself as a temporary committee member and offered an amendment to the police salary ordinance under consideration. Peskin said the amendment — drafted with the Controller and signed as to form by the City Attorney and Human Resources — would delete two command positions (one assistant chief and one commander) rather than the four positions originally proposed, create four police officer positions and allow incumbents in the removed command slots to remain until attrition. "This amendment would result in the creation of 4 such positions," Peskin said.

Olivia Arroce, speaking for the Police Department on behalf of Chief Scott, said the department supports the amendment and welcomed the attrition approach as a responsible way to manage duties and transition staff. Public commenter David Pilpel said the compromise addresses span-of-control and workload and requested an updated organizational chart be added to the file.

President Peskin moved the amendment and the committee voted to forward the ordinance as amended to the full Board with a positive recommendation.