SFPD Officer's Resignation Letter to Chief Scott

The following is an email sent out this weekend by a San Francisco Police officer that recently resigned. It captures the mood and her frustration with the failing progressive politics of San Francisco, the SFPD administration lack of support, and of course the DA.

Writer’s Note: Fox news conducted an interview of Mari on January 31st, after this article was published. https://video.foxnews.com/v/6294612028001#sp=show-clips

Dear Chief Scott & Command Staff,

I would have sent this email sooner, but I feared retaliation.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be writing this email.  My decision to leave the department after almost fourteen years was not easy.  I was convinced I'd do thirty when I started and was always proud to wear the uniform.  However, I walked away a few months ago because of your lack of leadership.  My wife, Michele, was accused by a command staff member of being angry and bitter after sending her goodbye email.  Well, you should all be angry too.  I'm disappointed and beyond angry.  I left a profession I loved not because of the public or media firestorm we as police have faced but because you failed to support the community and us.

We are the community's voice and those who, to no fault of their own, become victims.  Patrol officers stand tall and help people when they are constantly being scrutinized and treated as if they were only a number.  I used to believe we were all only numbers and easily replaceable.  How untrue that is in policing today.  San Francisco police officers are not replaceable.  Our department has lost hundreds if not thousands of years of experience in the last couple of years.  Academy classes are being canceled left and right.  Recruitment is failing, and who can blame them?  You would have to be living in the dark to want to work in this climate without support. 

I have spoken to hundreds of officers who fear making a mistake.  Some of the hardest working cops I ever knew who feared nothing.  Cops that I always admired.  They don't fear the parolee with the loaded firearm.  They fear you will not back them. 

You are supposed to be our voice.  You are supposed to have our backs.  Officers tell me that command staff said morale comes from within and should be taken care of at the station level.  Well, that couldn't be farther from the truth.  Yes, motivation and the desire to do the right thing come from within, but we all have our breaking point.  When do you stop this madness and look at yourselves?  You are our leaders.  You can help bring positive change when faced with adversity from the mayor, the district attorney, the community, and the board of supervisors.  I understand your jobs are political, but to what end?  When do you decide because you know something is right in your heart instead of what is best for political gain?  You are the experts and need to stop allowing others to dictate everything we do.

 I have heard you ask why people are leaving.  Here are a few reasons I am aware of. 

1)         Promotions based on race and sex instead of work ethic, experience, and character.  

I know people who left for this reason.

2)         A lack of leadership and support.  Support for officers and victims. 

I left for this reason, as have many others I have spoken with. 

Co. H Officers told me the Chief said the thin blue line is a fringe group.  We are still racist, and the department is supporting BLM.  They were told they could leave, and there's the door.

3)         The Chief standing shoulder to shoulder with Chesa Boudin and other command staff placating him. 

This man showed us his true colors from the beginning.  His mission statement on January 14, 2020, read, "1.  Review all officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, and other unlawful use of force allegations.  2.  Safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice system via a conviction review process focused on assessing and remedying colorable claims of innocence." The post was removed the following day.

Officer Stangel is on trial, and a DAI admits to falsifying documents for fear of being fired by the District Attorney's Office.  The response is an email regarding how it will impact our department and the criminal investigations.  What about Officer Stangel?  He is standing trial for his job and his freedom!  I see other officers also brought up on charges living in hell for doing their job.  They are entirely deflated and depressed. 

A CNN appearance and no mention of this atrocity.  Where is your anger?  Put yourself in that officer's shoes and the many others living this nightmare.  Wouldn't you want your Chief and Command Staff to come forward with passion and support, standing shoulder to shoulder?

Other police departments refuse to execute search warrants in San Francisco because of Chesa Boudin.  This is first-hand knowledge.

4)         The Use of Force Policy.  Would you want to be a cop under that policy?  Do you genuinely believe this is for the betterment of the department and the community? 

5)         No communication from the top regardless of the issue.  No listening to those who make suggestions and are experts in their field.

6)         The vaccine policy goes without saying.  Regardless of your views on this matter, there are alternatives.  It's sad to see other departments fighting to retain these officers, and we never tried.

I could go on, but I believe you get the picture.  Retention is not about morale at the station level.  We have outstanding leadership at that level.  Captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and officers I will always respect.  All great cops who are also looking to you for support.  Unlike a few others and I, officers leaving our department are not leaving the profession.  It is a testament to how much they love the job.  I miss the job every single day! 

Many believe it is too late to turn our department around.  I think we all make mistakes.  It’s too late for some, but I don't think it's too late for all.  I have worked for some of you and know it is in your power to bring about positive change.  To be courageous when faced with adversity and to back your officers.  You can stop losing so many people.  I implore you all to come together and fight for our cops.  Wouldn't you like to go out with your cops saying you tried to make a change as opposed to calling you cowards? 

I sincerely wish you all the best. 

Mari Shepard

Lou Barberini is a CPA. His articles and similar articles can be found on the website: GBTBmedia.com