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San Francisco Appoints Derrick Lew as New Police Chief

12/4/2025

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

San Francisco named Deputy Chief Derrick Lew as the city’s new police chief, announced December 3, 2025.
Lew is a 20-year San Francisco Police Department veteran who has overseen the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center.
He will start December 22, 2025.
He succeeds Interim Chief Paul Yep after former Chief Bill Scott’s resignation.

History

Historical Context

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has faced scrutiny for systemic issues since the 1968 Kerner Commission report, which called for policing reforms to address racial disparities. In 2025, Chief Bill Scott resigned amid ongoing challenges, leading to Deputy Chief Derrick Lew's appointment. This transition reflects a continued effort to improve community relations and reform policing practices in urban areas like San Francisco.

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Story summary

San Francisco named Deputy Chief Derrick Lew as the city’s new police chief, announced December 3, 2025.
Lew is a 20-year San Francisco Police Department veteran who has overseen the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center.
He will start December 22, 2025.
He succeeds Interim Chief Paul Yep after former Chief Bill Scott’s resignation.

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