SFPD's New Cadet Class Talks Police Brutality, Building Community

SFPD officers and cadets outside Lychee Cafe. (Photos: Fiona Lee/Hoodline)

Did you happen to see a group of people attired in fog-gray hoodies and shirts strolling along Irving Street last Thursday? You might have witnessed the 253rd class of the SFPD cadet academy, who came to the Outer Sunset to meet and chat with local merchants before sharing a meal together at Lychee Cafe.

The walkabout and luncheon were intended to introduce the cadets to the community, before they graduate and become full-fledged police officers in December.

"Don't forget the community," former Taraval Station Captain Curtis Lum, who held the post for four years, told the cadets. "As you go through, after a few years, you get jaded ... but it's not us against the world."

"You have to be involved with the community," echoed Bill Barnickel, president of the Outer Sunset Merchants and Professionals Association. "Don't take things for granted, because if you take things for granted, you're not going to be a good cop."

SFPD cadets listened intently as Capt. Curtis Lum spoke on the importance of community.

During their 34-week training, cadets learn the tools of the trade and their role as law enforcement. With racism and police brutality regularly making headlines, a recurring theme was de-escalation and the sanctity of life, part of the reforms ushered in by Mayor Lee in the wake of recent police shooting and racist text message scandals that rocked the SFPD.

"For me, it's disappointing to always see these type of things: the racism, the excessive force that is used," said cadet Mark Bonverra, who noted that the recent incidents were discussed during classes. "At the same time, it's a drive for me to say that this is a small portion of the police force."

"The awesome thing about the academy is that it's giving us tools to understand that and check biases that we may or may not have, work through them, and approach situations in a way that is going to be great for individuals and police officers," he said.

The class is the 253rd to go through the SFPD cadet academy.

The cadets come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some were drawn to becoming police officers after previously working in other careers: 33-year-old Nicholas Sandora was previously a preschool teacher and firearms instructor, while 28-year-old Robert Doctor was once a master mobile electrician. Julio Chila, 39, the former general manager of the Marina's Tipsy Pig, wanted to "do something with more purpose in the city."

"For me, I wanted to be the police officer that I would want to see in the news," explained Devon Green, 25. "You hear a lot about the bad things that happen. If I want something to change, I want to be that change and be part of that."

Bill Barnickel, President of the Outer Sunset Merchants and Professionals Association, with Captain Curtis Lum of the SFPD.

While cadets do not yet know where they will be assigned after graduation, they say that they're open to new experiences in the neighborhoods they will be serving.

"I grew up in the Mission District when it was tougher," said Bonverra. "A lot of people would fall into gangs. Luckily, my father was ex-Navy, so he helped pull me back from the wrong direction. I've always tried to be a leader and be my own person. I want try to be an influence to my peers and my siblings as well."