Kevin Benedicto

Attorney, criminal justice reform advocate, San Francisco Police Commissioner

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

Commitment to community has guided everything I have done on the Commission, and it was beyond moving to hear the words spoken by the broad and diverse coalition in support of that work.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

Thank you to all the members of the community who wrote letters and spoke in support of my re-appointment to the San Francisco Police Commission.

https://t.co/3WFpIBpR9v

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

I look forward to working with the community, @SFPD , and my fellow commissioners to ensure public safety, transparency, and accountability for all San Franciscans.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

This week I was sworn in and officially began my second term on the San Francisco Police Commission.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of San Francisco.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

I’ve worked with Paul Yep since 2016 on a variety of public safety and policing issues, and I look forward to working with him as Interim Police Chief.

[Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 @DanielLurie]

As we look for the SFPD’s next leader, we are proud to announce that Paul Yep will serve as Interim Police Chief.

Paul served in the police department for 28 years, including alongside Chief Scott as Commander in the Chief of Staff’s Office overseeing the Risk Management Division and, before that, as the commanding officer of the Central, Northern, and Richmond stations.

Since January, he has served as our Public Safety Chief in City Hall, leading cross-agency strategies to tackle some of our toughest challenges—including open-air drug markets.

As a Chinatown native and a graduate of Lowell High School and San Francisco State University, Paul Yep knows this city. He knows the department. And he has dedicated his entire career to keeping San Franciscans safe.

I am confident that Paul is the right person to lead the department through this period of transition—building on our progress and continuing to drive forward critical initiatives.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Thank you @DanielLurie for gathering over fifty AANHPI commissioners, department heads, and city officials in a show of unity and strength.

It is an honor to serve the people of San Francisco.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

But there is still more work to be done. I am committed to finding a Chief of Police who is ready to build on this progress.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow members of the Police Commission, Mayor Lurie, the Board of Supervisors, and most importantly the community to conduct a national search for a new SFPD Chief.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

SFPD’s progress is proof that evidence-based, effective reforms can build trust and keep both communities and officers safe.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

Even when we did not agree, he was always willing to work together towards our shared goal of making SFPD the best department it could be. I am grateful for his partnership and wish him best in his future endeavors.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

I first met @SFPDChief eight years ago when he was just appointed, and I was working as a pro bono attorney on criminal justice reform issues. I have worked closely with him over the last eight years, including as a member of the Police Commission for these last three years.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

I have always considered Chief Scott a trusted partner in efforts to increase transparency, accountability, and fairness in SFPD. In particular, I am very proud of the work we did together on SFPD policies on use of force and on combatting racially biased traffic stops.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

Closing out Black History Month celebrating with and being inspired by community!

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize and distribute free groceries to seniors at the @SelfHelpElderly Chi Sing Community Center. A great service event organized by the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area Community Service Committee!

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

It was an honor to gather with community in Chinatown in celebration of Paul Yep’s appointment as Chief of Public Safety to Mayor Daniel Lurie. I look forward to working together to keep our city safe and ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in SFPD.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

@JoelEngardio I was one of the scorers for the final round, truly incredible performances by both teams. Lincoln will make us so proud at the state competition.

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

As the son of immigrants who fled a corrupt and repressive regime to give their children a chance at a better life, it was an honor to speak in support of this resolution defending birthright citizenship.

https://t.co/YavryEKuRB

[Kevin Benedicto @KevinMBenedicto]

@Richard09072671 @jd94110 @SFPD @sfchronicle @MaxMCO Seatbelt infraction laws are not one of the deprioritized stops under SFPD policy, as they can have a significant public safety benefit. Also, all laws are still enforceable under DGO 9.07, it does not change or modify the legality of any state or local law. Thanks for sharing.