Acting SFPD Chief Yep Assembles New Command Team

Interim Police Chief Paul Yep announced a shakeup in SFPD command staff -- the first major moves since Chief Scott’s departure.

The Facts

The Chronicle reports that Interim SFPD Chief Paul Yep promoted "a dozen members of the San Francisco Police Department to command staff positions." Among the promotions was Tracy McCray, the president of the Police Officers Association union, who moved up two ranks from lieutenant to commander. These changes replenish a command staff depleted by retirements, including longtime Chief Bill Scott’s and Assistant Chief David Lazar’s earlier departure. Yep took over as interim chief after Chief Scott stepped down in May.

The Context

In May 2025, the city’s longest-serving police chief, Bill Scott, left the department to lead a Los Angeles transit police agency. Yep was appointed by Mayor Lurie to serve as interim chief until the Police Commission selects a permanent replacement, which is expected to take several months and will involve a nationwide search.

Tracy McCray is expected to step down as union president given her new command position.

The GrowSF Take

SFPD has faced significant leadership turnover in recent years, with many long-serving officers retiring or leaving the department. We hope that this new team will bring stability and continuity to the department.