On February 28, 2025, Chinese legal expert W.E. Wilson Leung officially took office as a member of the San Francisco Police Commission, with Mayor Daniel Lurie presiding over the swearing-in ceremony. This appointment was proposed by the mayor at the beginning of this month and was unanimously approved by the City Council on Tuesday, the 25th.
In recent years, the public safety situation in San Francisco has raised widespread concerns, and the decisions made by the Police Commission are crucial for law enforcement and community safety in the city. As a representative of the Chinese community in San Francisco, many Chinese residents hope that Leung can promote reforms and enhance public safety in his new position.
The San Francisco Police Commission is the core body for police management in the city, consisting of seven commissioners who are responsible for developing law enforcement policies, overseeing police conduct, and conducting disciplinary hearings.
To ensure transparency and accountability within the police system, commission members are appointed jointly by the mayor and the City Council.
Leung, who grew up in San Francisco, brings a wealth of legal litigation experience to his new role. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 14 years at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has also handled government regulatory, investigative, and legal litigation matters at renowned companies such as Intel, HP, and Uber.
Leung earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and later obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Columbia Law School.
Mayor Daniel Lurie stated, “Leung is a native San Franciscan who wants to see his hometown revitalized to become a safe and vibrant city where everyone living and working here can feel secure. I believe he will fulfill his duties with integrity and dedication.”
During the swearing-in ceremony, Leung expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the city government and thanked his family, old and new friends for their guidance and support in various aspects of his life. He emphasized that San Francisco has always been his home, and he looks forward to contributing to the success of the San Francisco Police Department, helping them carry out their mission of protecting and serving all communities, stating, “I will not let you down.”
The Chinese community in San Francisco has long been deeply concerned about city safety, particularly following an increase in anti-Asian crimes. Many Chinese residents, small business owners, and civil rights organizations are hoping for stricter law enforcement measures to reduce robberies and violent crimes, ensuring the safety of small businesses and residents. However, some also wish for Leung to maintain fairness and justice in law enforcement while combating crimes.