As of August 10, 2025, Louis Wong has risen to become San Francisco’s new police union president after an impressive 30-year career on the force, earning 63% of the vote in July.
Wong is notable not only for his leadership role as the first Asian American president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association (POA) but also for his extensive experience patrolling some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods, including the Tenderloin and SoMa.
His campaign highlighted a commitment to improving benefits for officers, advocating for higher pay and earlier retirement, especially as negotiations for a new contract with City Hall loom on the horizon.
Steve Ford, a former SFPD officer and Antioch police chief, describes Wong as a quintessential ‘boots-on-the-ground’ leader.
Unlike his predecessor Tracy McCray, who was known for her controversial actions, Wong is perceived as a pragmatic figure in the union.
However, skepticism exists regarding whether Wong will significantly change the direction of the union, with some insiders noting his endorsement from command staff may compromise his independence within the role.
As Wong asserts his leadership, he navigates a politically charged environment where public sentiments toward policing are evolving.
Recent remarks by former Mayor London Breed encapsulate this shift: the populace is becoming ‘less tolerant of all the bullshit.’
Under new Mayor Daniel Lurie, elected in November, there has been a strong emphasis on enhancing public safety, which includes increasing police hires to tackle the city’s pressing drug crisis.
In contrast, Wong aims to diminish the authority of the Department of Police Accountability, the independent body investigating police misconduct, by ending the practice of anonymous complaints.
This pivot contrasts sharply with the heightened scrutiny of police during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.
Yet, even as hardline approaches gain traction, Wong faces various challenges, including a recent overtime abuse scandal that brought attention to the SFPD’s budgetary shortcomings.
The department’s expenditures soared, with reports indicating $120,000 was spent on overtime during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wong, himself, benefited from overtime, ranking as one of the highest-paid employees in the 2022-23 fiscal year, earning a total of $465,000 — more than 70% of which came from overtime.
Compounding his challenges, the union’s membership is dwindling due to retirements and struggles in recruitment, making Wong’s political maneuvering even more critical.
Despite some controversies in his past, including involvement in lawsuits related to police misconduct, Wong enjoys substantial backing from many within the department and the public.
Former union president Tony Montoya points out that officers view Wong’s previous legal troubles not as detriments but marks of a dedicated officer’s resolve.
That goodwill is essential for Wong as he balances the dual responsibilities of advocating for rank-and-file interests while maintaining amicable relations with the department’s higher echelons.
However, concerns arise around the implications of his endorsement from command staff.
Montoya warns that union leaders backed by command may struggle to remain independent, potentially leading to perceptions of collusion with management.
A former high-ranking officer expressed worry that Wong’s promises appear more oriented towards gaining benefits for officers rather than advancing effective policing.
Critics question whether negotiations focused on improving pay and benefits could overshadow the broader mission of public safety and responsible law enforcement.
Wong’s rise is being celebrated, particularly in the Chinatown community, which is poised to host a gathering in the coming fall to honor the historic occasion of having an Asian American head of the police union.
Residing in Rincon Hill, Shelley Costantini praised Wong’s leadership but lamented his departure from active duty, recalling him as an officer who engaged deeply with community issues in his patrols.
Ultimately, Wong aspires to leave behind a legacy defined by compassion, sharing stories of times he extended help to those in dire situations—like offering cab fare to stranded individuals or buying food for those experiencing homelessness.
Reflecting on his motivations, Wong cites his upbringing and experiences witnessing the struggles of those in his community, particularly at his grandfather’s corner store.
His words resonate with his commitment to making a positive impact, stating, ‘I saw a lot of crime happen, a lot of people fighting for food stamps with razor blades. So, I thought, let’s make a change.’
As Wong embarks on his new role as a union leader, the future of the San Francisco Police Officers Association hangs in a delicate balance, teetering between the demands of the public, the accountability of the department, and the needs of the officers he represents.
image source from：sfstandard
