Discontent among San Francisco police officers has erupted on social media, with some airing provocative rumors about their colleagues, including unverified allegations of sexual affairs and substance abuse.
Interim Chief Paul Yep addressed the situation today in a department-wide email, confirming that an investigation into inappropriate social media posts is currently underway.
An Instagram account featuring provocative memes, which date back one month, has gained attention for depicting real SFPD members—predominantly women of color—in a negative light.
One post suggested that a female officer performed well on the sergeants exam due to nepotism, while another derided top scorers as being tied to former Assistant Chief David Lazar, labeling them as “legacy officers” or “crybabies.”
Further complicating the issue, some memes insinuated that a different female officer received answers to a promotional examination from a peer, adding to the barrage of specific allegations targeting individual officers.
These memes are not vague complaints; they point to real officers with identifiable characteristics, and numerous officers have confirmed recognition of the individuals depicted.
Mission Local has opted not to name the social media accounts, as many of the memes closely resemble actual officers, coupled with serious and unverified rumors.
Engagement in the comments section reveals a mix of reactions from real officers, with some expressions of support while others voiced disapproval.
An anonymous officer commented on the situation, stating, “This is just a negative person taking it out on people—women of color who are highly intelligent.”
Another veteran officer expressed concern, saying, “This is not good-natured fun.” He acknowledged that while the accusations may not be verified, they are aimed at individuals and have harmful implications.
The postings also reflect disturbing racial undertones. One meme inferred that only Black officers are eligible to work on the department’s recruitment team, accompanied by a cartoon image of eight smiling Black officers at a recruiting event.
The caption read, “Diversity is our strength—unless you’re white and want to do recruiting,” indicating the potential for further division within the department.
Historically, officers have utilized meme accounts to express dissatisfaction with working conditions, but these new instances of targeting specific individuals and leveling accusations have drawn swift condemnation from department and union leaders.
In a message to members, police union president Louis Wong condemned the posts as “vicious, personal, and anonymous attacks.”
He emphasized, “What may have started as inside humor has crossed a line into malicious and destructive behavior that has no place in our profession or our union.”
Wong stated that such actions aimed at harming a fellow officer’s reputation, career, and family life are unacceptable, making it clear that this behavior is beyond the realm of a joke.
Notably, Wong himself has been the subject of a series of memes on one account, which portrayed him in a cartoon brawl with another officer regarding the presidency of the Police Officers Association, a position he recently secured.
Some posts alluded to accusations against his opponent, Kevin Worrell, regarding the misuse of union funds for lavish meals and drinks.
The insinuations even extend to captains within the department, with one image portraying a station captain passed out from presumed overindulgence, while another depicted another captain drooling over female officers.
In the wake of this backlash, one anonymous Instagram account basked in its notoriety, posting, “This first month was just a warm up.. GET READY FOR SOME CRAZY CONTENT!!!”
The message added, “Remember no one is safe here… You did whatever you did to be here. Your coworkers/bosses/friends put you here.”
Such comments have further irritated officers who are already displeased with the current state of affairs in the department.
A veteran officer remarked, “SFPD has always been a high school: Drama about who’s sleeping with who, which cops hate each other, etc., but it’s never been blasted out like that.”
The situation underscores a significant and troubling moment within the San Francisco Police Department, as it grapples with internal strife and the implications of unchecked social media commentary.
image source from：missionlocal
