On February 28, 2025, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie nominated Maggie Scott as a new member of the San Francisco Police Commission, replacing Max Carter-Oberstone who was removed for misconduct. Maggie Scott, who lost her son to gun violence in 1996, has been actively involved in anti-gun violence efforts for 23 years.
Maggie Scott’s 24-year-old son, George C. Scott, was shot and killed at a high school graduation party in San Francisco in 1996. Since then, she has dedicated herself to preventing gun violence.
The San Francisco Police Commission consists of seven members responsible for setting policing policies, overseeing police conduct, reviewing disciplinary cases, and conducting disciplinary hearings.
To ensure transparency and accountability in the police system, the members of the commission are appointed jointly by the mayor and the city council.
Aged 72, Scott grew up in the southern United States and has been a resident of San Francisco since 1965. She is the founder of “Healing 4 Our Families & Our Nation,” an organization that provides support to victims of gun violence. Scott has collaborated with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on gun violence prevention issues and brings 23 years of experience in violence prevention, intervention, and education. Tragically, her son, nephew, and niece have all passed away due to violence or tragedy.
Scott plans to advocate for reforms within the Police Commission and acknowledges the need for increased police presence in San Francisco. This aligns with Mayor Lurie’s stance, who pledged to boost police forces and establish an independent fundraising committee to expand law enforcement powers.
During the nomination ceremony, Mayor Lurie highlighted Scott’s commitment to combating gun violence following the loss of her son, emphasizing her invaluable experience, empathy, and dedication to serving the community. He believes her voice will help foster trust across the city.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Scott thanked the mayor, supporters, and her family for their unwavering support during her long hours of work each day. She expressed eagerness to live up to the city’s expectations and make San Francisco a safer place, emphasizing respect for each citizen and a vision of healing and restoration to help the city recover from trauma.
Scott urged collective efforts, stating, “Either we all work together, or we all suffer together.” She called on everyone to assist those harmed by fentanyl poisoning and to support mothers mourning the loss of children or loved ones.
Scott’s appointment is subject to a vote by the full city council. Last Tuesday, the council approved the nomination of Wilson Leung, a former federal magistrate, to fill another vacant seat on the Police Commission. The security situation in San Francisco has garnered widespread attention in recent years, making the decisions of the Police Commission crucial for law enforcement and community safety.
Previously, Mayor Lurie proposed dismissing Max Carter-Oberstone from the Police Commission due to his close ties with city officials. This decision was met with public support and opposition, with community members advocating for Carter-Oberstone during a hearing before the council vote.
In his defense, Carter-Oberstone stressed his dedication to public service and upholding the rule of law rather than seeking popularity. He underscored his commitment to serving the citizens of San Francisco during his tenure on the commission.
Before the council vote, legal experts, civil rights advocates, and community members gathered in support of Carter-Oberstone, highlighting his efforts to assist with unsolved homicide cases and promote criminal justice reform.
Paulette Brown, the mother of 17-year-old Aubrey Abrakasa who was fatally shot years ago, also voiced her support for Carter-Oberstone. Brown commended his dedication and hoped he would be allowed to complete his work for the year.
Mayor Lurie explained that the decision to dismiss Carter-Oberstone stemmed from his relationship issues with city officials, although supporters of Carter-Oberstone and criminal justice reform believed the mayor’s intention was to exert more control over the Police Commission. The mayor’s office declined to comment on these claims.