A total of thirteen cases being handled by the public defender's office have been dropped so far by the district attorney over the past few days as a result of the release of scandalous surveillance footage last week. The initial footage allegedly shows evidence of improper searches and seizures that contradict police reports, along with an officer covering up the camera for fifteen seconds, which is reportedly a technique that police often utilize to prevent front desk employees from tipping off the suspects.
More footage has since been presented, including police officers allegedly kicking down the door of a disabled man and allegedly framing an innocent man.
All eight officers involved, which make up the entire plainclothes unit at Southern Station, have been put on administrative duty, and the FBI, the DA, and SFPD’s Internal Affairs office are all conducting separate investigations. Public Defender Jeff Adachi will be reviewing between 2,000 and 3,000 drug cases, and his office said that there are likely additional cases being dropped that are being handled by private attorneys.
SFist attempted to watch Chief Jeff Godown's press conference regarding the matter, which is somewhat reminiscent of The Wire and full of interesting catch phrases, such as "biopsy" and "disruption in service," and much grumbling over the fact that Adachi's office didn't bother to contact the police department regarding the allegations before going to the press. Chief Godown also encouraged anyone out there with additional evidence to come forward if they haven't already.