From the City Council

San Diego City Council Appoints Multiple CPP Commissioners

Photo of the City seal on a glass door
The San Diego City Council has appointed nine commissioners to the Commission on Police Practices (CPP).
 
The following candidates have been appointed to the CPP in their respective categories:
 
District 8 Representative:
  • Jesus Martin Gallegos-Munoz
Low- and- Moderate Income Category:
  • Rashida Hameed
  • Francisco Peralta Vargas
  • Scott Rodriguez
  • James Tyrell Ruland
Youth Category:
  • Kelly Brusher
  • Aryan Dixit
At-large Category:
  • Michael Alan Focken
  • Crystal Van Dyke

“Congratulations to the new appointees and thank you for your willingness to volunteer time and energy to fulfill the will of San Diego voters and perform police oversight,” said Council President Joe LaCava. “The work of the Commission on Police Practices helps build trust between the public and the police, a critical component of public safety.”

The appointments add commissioners to the body, which can comprise up to 25 people. All appointees must subscribe to the Oath of Office and receive training to carry out their duties.

“We are grateful to the City Council for appointing this dynamic group of new Commissioners,” said Roger Smith, Executive Director of the Office of the Commission on Police Practices. “They come from a variety of professional backgrounds and represent every corner of San Diego. We are excited to work with them to carry out the mandate and mission of Measure B.”

The CPP is an independent community oversight body of the San Diego Police Department. It has investigatory, review, and auditing powers, including the power to make factual determinations about investigated matters and to make advisory recommendations regarding police officers' actions and the department's procedures, policies, and practices. 

The Commission's mission is to hold law enforcement accountable to the community and increase community trust in law enforcement, resulting in increased safety for both the community and law enforcement.