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SFPD shakeup
The SF police Department is have a major shake-up. Deputy Chief Suhr moved up and out, denies it comes from Friday night's disturbances.
SFPD shakes up personnel
By J.K. Dineen
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, July 14, 2005 11:21 PM PD
In a major Police Department shake-up, a powerful deputy police chief in charge of patrol has been reassigned and is the inside favorite to take over security for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Deputy Chief Gregory Suhr, a 26-year department veteran, was reassigned to the chief's office Thursday while he interviews for the top SFPUC security position, which would put him in charge of securing the water and power source for much of Northern California.
The change comes as Suhr faces criticism for his leadership during last Friday night's raucous anarchist demonstration, during which Mission District Officer Peter Shields was injured when a rioter hit him over the head with a long black object. After the incident, Suhr received criticism for ordering a riot squad back to the station after he believed the protest had subsided.
Both Suhr and police Chief Heather Fong said the reassignment was unconnected to the assault. Suhr, 46, said Fong approached him about the SFPUC job two weeks ago and he had decided to apply for it after it was clear she did not want him to remain deputy chief.
"To be perfectly honest I'd rather remain, though I thought I was due to be rotated," he said.
Suhr, the last remaining member of the police brass from the so-called Fajitagate scandal of 2002, has been in patrol or narcotics his entire career and has handled most major protests as well as preparation of the millennium celebrations and the aftermath of Sept. 11.
He said the idea of taking over SFPUC security has grown on him, although he regrets that the move comes after last Friday night's fiasco.
"I couldn't feel worse about what happened to Peter Sheilds — I love the men and women of the department and it has totally been an honor to be the boss of patrol," he said.
SFPUC spokesman Tony Winnicker said it would be up to SFPUC General Manager Susan Leal to make the appointment.
Police Officer Association President Gary Delagnes said he had heard for a while that Suhr may be on the way out.
"I'm sorry it happened," he said. "I don't know what was going on internally but I think the timing is suspicious."
He also said the timing was unfortunate for Suhr, who is well-respected among the rank and file.
"A lot of people were angry at him Friday night but it doesn't affect our respect for him," Delagnes said. "We've lost a good person to lead the patrol."
E-mail: jdineen [at] examiner.com
By J.K. Dineen
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, July 14, 2005 11:21 PM PD
In a major Police Department shake-up, a powerful deputy police chief in charge of patrol has been reassigned and is the inside favorite to take over security for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Deputy Chief Gregory Suhr, a 26-year department veteran, was reassigned to the chief's office Thursday while he interviews for the top SFPUC security position, which would put him in charge of securing the water and power source for much of Northern California.
The change comes as Suhr faces criticism for his leadership during last Friday night's raucous anarchist demonstration, during which Mission District Officer Peter Shields was injured when a rioter hit him over the head with a long black object. After the incident, Suhr received criticism for ordering a riot squad back to the station after he believed the protest had subsided.
Both Suhr and police Chief Heather Fong said the reassignment was unconnected to the assault. Suhr, 46, said Fong approached him about the SFPUC job two weeks ago and he had decided to apply for it after it was clear she did not want him to remain deputy chief.
"To be perfectly honest I'd rather remain, though I thought I was due to be rotated," he said.
Suhr, the last remaining member of the police brass from the so-called Fajitagate scandal of 2002, has been in patrol or narcotics his entire career and has handled most major protests as well as preparation of the millennium celebrations and the aftermath of Sept. 11.
He said the idea of taking over SFPUC security has grown on him, although he regrets that the move comes after last Friday night's fiasco.
"I couldn't feel worse about what happened to Peter Sheilds — I love the men and women of the department and it has totally been an honor to be the boss of patrol," he said.
SFPUC spokesman Tony Winnicker said it would be up to SFPUC General Manager Susan Leal to make the appointment.
Police Officer Association President Gary Delagnes said he had heard for a while that Suhr may be on the way out.
"I'm sorry it happened," he said. "I don't know what was going on internally but I think the timing is suspicious."
He also said the timing was unfortunate for Suhr, who is well-respected among the rank and file.
"A lot of people were angry at him Friday night but it doesn't affect our respect for him," Delagnes said. "We've lost a good person to lead the patrol."
E-mail: jdineen [at] examiner.com
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§Another promotion for Mark Garcia's Killer
Greg Suhr was in charge at the scene when Mark Garcia was hogtied, thrown into a van, and driven unsupervised, the long way, to the hospital. When they opened the door upon arrival, he had stopped breathing. Greg Suhr has continued to move up in the ranks of the SFPD.
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