Rules Committee sends police commission reappointments as committee reports after mixed public comment

The Rules Committee considered two Police Commission reappointments on May 2 and forwarded both items as committee reports after a mix of public testimony and brief discussion about reform priorities.

Max Carter Oberstone, appearing in person, said he had spent his first months on the commission working on evidence‑based reforms and performing an analysis of stop‑and‑search data to address racial disparities. He told the committee he planned to propose policy language to reduce disparities and free department resources for proven strategies to prevent crime.

Commissioner (Larry) Yee (referred to in testimony as Commissioner Yi) thanked the mayor for his reappointment, outlined efforts to make the AAPI community and other neighborhoods safer, and said he intended to continue addressing racial disparities in stops and improving transparency with the Department of Police Accountability and internal affairs divisions.

Public commenters were split: some criticized both nominees as insufficiently focused on rebuilding officer ranks, while community groups and AAPI organizations spoke in support of Yee’s reappointment, citing his ties to the community.

The committee amended long titles to remove ‘‘reject’’ language and voted to send the nominations as committee reports with recommendations; roll call votes recorded Supervisors Chan, Mandelman and Peskin as aye. The committee urged continued public engagement and oversight of police‑reform work.