The ordinance revises the eligibility criteria for the San Francisco Homicide Reward Fund, allowing rewards to be paid for information leading to criminal charges regardless of conviction, and protects anonymity and criminal history of informants. It also requires that information be provided voluntarily and ensures no rewards are given for false information.
Ordinance amending the Administrative Code to revise eligibility criteria for the San Francisco Homicide Reward Fund, including to allow the Chief of Police, in the Chief’s discretion, to approve payment of a reward when information leads to the filing of criminal charges whether or not the charges result in conviction; to prohibit denial of a reward on the basis of an information provider’s request to remain anonymous; to prohibit denial of a reward on the basis of an information provider’s arrest or criminal history; to require that a person seeking a reward provide information voluntarily and not as part of a plea bargain; and to ensure that a reward is not paid to a person for the provision of false information.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to modernize the San Francisco Homicide Reward Fund to improve public cooperation in homicide investigations.
The Police Commission held a public meeting where testimony revealed limitations in the current policy and eligibility criteria for the Homicide Reward Fund, prompting a call for amendments.
The Police Commission approved a resolution urging the Board of Supervisors to amend the Homicide Reward Fund's governing code to eliminate restrictive eligibility criteria.
The Board of Supervisors assigned the proposed ordinance under the 30-day rule, which aimed to revise eligibility criteria for the Homicide Reward Fund.
The Rules Committee recommended the ordinance for passage, indicating support for the proposed changes to the Homicide Reward Fund.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on first reading, moving it closer to final approval.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, officially amending the Administrative Code regarding the Homicide Reward Fund.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing the changes to the Homicide Reward Fund eligibility criteria.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
