Most black S.F. top cops ever

The San Francisco Police Department now has the most black officers serving in leadership positions in the department’s 168-year history, according to a workplace group representing nonwhite officers.

In Chief William Scott’s most recent round of promotions, three African American lieutenants — Valerie Matthews, Milanda Moore and Steven Ford — were promoted to the rank of captain, and four African American sergeants were promoted to the rank of lieutenant, said Lt. Yulanda Williams, president of Officers for Justice.

Williams was one of the sergeants promoted, as were Dennis Toomer, Roshawn McKeever and Derrick Jackson. According to Williams, this round of promotions means that the department now has the highest number of black officers holding leadership positions — 19 — since its founding in 1849.

“History has been made,” Williams said. “This is a new day.”

Although the department did not respond to requests for comment on the advancement of black officers, the chief issued a statement Tuesday about the total 40 officers he had pro-

moted, saying that they “have demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence.”

“As we continue our mission to implement reform while maintaining public safety, these members will uphold and promote our department’s core values: service with understanding, response with compassion, performance with integrity and law enforcement with vision,” Scott said.

The Police Department has long boasted about its diverse ranks reflecting the diverse city that it serves, but a federal review of the city force found that women and minority officers were underrepresented in department leadership roles. There are 158 positions from the rank of lieutenant to chief.

Williams said diversity among officers is not enough; diversity needs to be reflected in leadership because it allows different experiences and mindsets to inform the direction of the department.

Beyond that, she said, it sets a standard for new officers.

“Those who are currently in as subordinates recognize that if you apply yourself, you, too, can move up the ranks in this department and be given a fair opportunity,” Williams said. “There’s a new ray of hope for officers of color and young men and women who might be considering a career in law enforcement.”

Scott came under fire earlier this year for his decision to appoint only men to his command staff, leaving just two women on the 15-member roster of assistant chiefs, deputy chiefs and commanders.

In his most recent round of promotions, the chief advanced Tenderloin Station Capt. Teresa Ewins to the rank of commander.