San Francisco Police Chief Derrick Lew swore in 12 new police officers on Monday. Still, they aren’t rookies — they’re what is known as “lateral transfers,” experienced cops who started their careers in other agencies. The event marks the largest hire of such personnel in over 10 years and was described in a statement from the department as “a significant step forward in the department’s aggressive hiring efforts.”
It’s also a milestone in San Francisco’s struggle to rebuild the agency after years of legislative struggle.
“I am extremely grateful to these officers and their families for joining the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD),” Chief Lew said. “There’s no doubt that our officers are the reason our city is on the rise. These new lateral officers will join a family of hard-working members who are keeping the streets clean and safe in the greatest city in the world.”…