SF Mayor Lee Signs Civil Rights Measure On Dealings With Feds
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee signed into law Wednesday a measure that requires input from the community about the police department's participation with the FBI on a joint terrorism task force.
The Safe San Francisco Civil Rights Ordinance came out of concerns that the FBI's anti-terrorism task force with the help of local police profiles certain ethnic groups, particularly Arab Americans.
The measure signed by Mayor Lee stipulates that the police commission must hold hearings prior to any formal cooperation agreement.
"We want people to enjoy their civil liberties and fulfill the promises of you and your families and for generations to come," Lee said.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Mokhtar Alkhansali from the coalition for a safe San Francisco applauded the law.
"I am thankful and proud that the San Francisco community has come together to speak for civil rights and human rights," Alkhansali said.
Police Chief Greg Suhr said this is really about improving communications.
"This doesn't change our way of doing business. It just makes sure that it's codified that we have to have the discussion we keep it on the front burner," Suhr said.
Under the new law police can only assist the FBI in a manner that does not violate civil rights or an individual's right to privacy.
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