San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has officially appointed Derrick Lew as the city's new police chief, a move that ushers in a commander with deep roots in city law enforcement and a history of front-line experience in the fight against crime. According to The SF Standard, Lew, 52, is a 20-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department with a significant track record, including busting a gun-running ring in tandem with federal agents and spearheading the city’s crackdown on illegal drug markets.
Lew's ascent to the chief position comes after a rigorous selection process that narrowed down 34 candidates to just three finalists, with Lew emerging as the chosen leader. He will be taking over from interim Chief Paul Yep, who has been at the helm since Bill Scott's departure in May. In the transitional months to come, Yep will continue to offer guidance as an advisor to Lew, signaling a focus on continuity and seasoned expertise within the department's leadership, as suggested by an internal email.
“From my first day in office, I’ve said that public safety is my top priority, and it will always be my top priority,” Mayor Lurie emphasized in outlining his expectations for the SFPD under Lew's command. Echoing the mayor's sentiment and underscoring his commitment to the city's welfare, Lew declared, "As chief, I will continue acting with urgency to get more officers into the department, to attack the drug crisis, to improve street conditions, and to ensure San Francisco remains one of the safest cities in the country," as per The SF Standard.
The new chief’s local standing is bolstered by his San Franciscan heritage and his tenure as a patrol officer in various parts of the city. In a particularly harrowing encounter in 2006, Lew and his partner came under fire, an event that almost claimed his life and ended with the shooting death of Charles Breed, who was incidentally the cousin of former mayor London Breed. Lew's dedication and bravery during this encounter earned him a Medal of Honor, a testament to his valor that is commemorated at Bayview Station. Despite such intense experiences, Lew maintains a calm approach to chaotic incidents, stressing in recent times his role as a “peacekeeper” amid conflicts between protesters and federal immigration agents, demonstrating a balanced approach that transcends political lines, Lew told The SF Standard.
Amidst accolades, the selection of Lew has spurred contrasting reactions; as reported by the SF Chronicle, Yulanda Williams, president emeritus of the Officers for Justice, voiced disappointment over a perceived missed opportunity for Black leadership, while Rex Tabora of the Asian Pacific American Community Center applauded the choice as a boon for local communities. As chief, Lew will inherit a department flush with a substantial $840 million budget and the latest in technological tools, yet still struggling with staffing shortages amid its tough-on-crime mandate. His tenure marks a defining chapter for the San Francisco Police Department, as it mobilizes to face the city's existing challenges with renewed vigor and strategic nuance.
