An SFPD-linked nonprofit, SF Safe, has reportedly misused taxpayer money to fund luxury spending, including limo rides and high-end trips to Tahoe and Vegas, a city controller's audit has revealed. The audit scrutinized around $910,000 spent by the San Francisco Police Department during a nine-month period, finding nearly $80,000 in expenses that either violated grant stipulations or were simply excessive, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The nonchalant spending, which included luxury gift boxes and limo services, was discovered in a report released on Thursday by the city controller's office. While hosting a Community Police Advisory Board Symposium last October, the nonprofit dolled out $32,482 on gift boxes, at about $162 each. According to a report by SFist, paid for by the SFPD from taxpayer dollars, which included "Silver Needle Tea, a portfolio, and a mug."

Further irregularities were unveiled, for instance, the organization spent over $7,000 on lodging during a training symposium in South Lake Tahoe even though the event was hosted at a hotel that estimated rooms at approximately $129 per night. Shockingly, the San Francisco-based nonprofit also footed bills amounting to nearly $14,000 for staff attendance at the event sans proper documentation to back these costs. In response to the audit findings, SF Safe's attorney, Dylan Hackett, acknowledged the discrepancies and conveyed the group's commitment to implementing corrective measures, as they have cooperated fully with the investigation, specifically after the controller's office indicated issues.

Part of the extravagant spending also took a surprising turn into personal perks. SF Safe is facing scrutiny under the leadership of Executive Director Kyra Worthy, with the organization spending more than $21,000 on parking expenses, some attributed directly to Worthy, according to the SFist article. Meanwhile, SFPD has recovered the flagged $79,655 by deducting it from SF Safe grant funds for the current year and started enforcing stricter requirements for expense documentation to prevent future issues.

The SF Police Department confirmed "the ineligible expenses invoiced by SF Safe" after an internal review. A statement obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle noted the department's ongoing effort to ensure "the highest degree of accountability" in oversight practices with grant partners. Furthermore, the department plans to review its grant agreement with SF Safe, set to expire in June, for renewal considerations.

Since 1976, SF Safe has acted as a crime prevention component of the SFPD, playing a significant role in the department's outreach and education initiatives. But with revelations from the audit throwing the spotlight on questionable financial management decisions, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the police department and the nonprofit will evolve.