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SF Ethics Commission

Complaint Procedure


Filing a Complaint with the

San Francisco Ethics Commission

The San Francisco Ethics Commission encourages the reporting of suspected violations of laws, regulations and rules governing the conduct of City officers and employees. The following information is provided to assist persons interested in reporting a violation to the Commission.

Laws the Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate and enforce

The Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate and enforce violations of the following local government ethics laws:

  • Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance

    S.F. Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code (S.F. C&GC Code) § 1.100, et seq.

  • Campaign Consultant Ordinance

    S.F. C&GC Code § 1.500, et seq.

  • Lobbyist Ordinance

    S.F. C&GC Code § 2.100, et seq.

  • Sunshine Ordinance*

    S.F. Admin. Code § 67.1, et seq.

  • Multiple Campaign Accounts

    S.F. C&GC Code § 1.200, et seq.

  • False Endorsements on Campaign Literature

    S.F. C&GC Code § 1.400, et seq.

  • Political Activity by City Officers/Employees

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.230

  • Gifts

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.216

  • Contracts Between Members of Boards and Commissions and the City

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.222

  • Dual Officeholding for Compensation

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.220

  • City Officers Representing Private Parties Before City Boards and Commissions

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.224

  • Intimidation or Retaliation by a City Officer/ Employee Against Persons Who File Complaints with the Ethics Commission

    S.F. C&GC Code § 4.100, et seq.

  • Financial Conflicts of Interest by City Officers/Employees

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.206

  • Payment for Appointment to City Service or Employment

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.208

  • Disclosure of Confidential Information by City Officers/Employees

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.228

  • City Officer/Employee Appearing Before Former Board or Agency

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.234

  • Private Compensation of City Officers and Employees for City Service

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.218

  • City Officers/Employees Voting on Own Character or Conduct

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.208

  • Decisions Involving Family Members

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.212

  • Disclosure of Personal, Business or Professional Relationships

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.214

  • Referrals

    S.F. C&GC Code § 3.226

 

The text of these laws can be found on the Ethics Commission's website at www.sfgov.org/ethics. Many of these laws are also discussed in the Commission's publication "The San Francisco Ethics Commission Manual on Governmental Ethics Laws: A Guide to State and Local Laws Governing the Conduct of Public Officials and Employees," which is available on the website or at the Commission's office.

How to file a complaint

It is strongly recommended that prior to filing a complaint, you speak with an investigator to determine whether the matter about which you are complaining is something the Ethics Commission has authority to address. If it is not, the investigator will refer you to the most appropriate agency to whom to direct your complaint. To schedule an appointment with an investigator, please call the Ethics Commission at (415) 252-3100.

Once you determine that the Ethics Commission is the most appropriate agency to address your complaint, you may file your complaint on the attached complaint form. Please be aware that the more information you provide, e.g., names, addresses and phone numbers of respondent(s) and witnesses, all relevant facts pertaining to the complaint, and any documents that support your allegation, the easier it will be for the Ethics Commission to investigate the complaint.

Confidentiality

All complaints are confidential to the extent permitted by State law. Local law protects persons who file complaints with the Ethics Commission from harassment or retaliation for filing the complaint. Complainants should be aware that the Ethics Commission's Regulations for Investigations and Enforcement Proceedings, which govern the Commission's handling of complaints, provide that a person accused of a violation (the respondent) must be provided with a copy of the complaint. Complainants may wish, therefore, to submit their complaints anonymously. Please be advised that the Ethics Commission may, but is not required to, process or respond to anonymous complaints and complaints that have not been signed and verified.

Laws the Ethics Commission cannot enforce

The Ethics Commission does not have the authority to investigate and enforce all laws relating to ethics and the conduct of City officials. The Commission can investigate violations of, but cannot enforce, most provisions of state law, such as the California Elections Code and the Penal Code. The Ethics Commission does not investigate complaints pertaining to: personnel matters (such as sexual or racial discrimination or failure to comply with Civil Service requirements); violations of the State or Federal Constitution; and ethics violations by members of the judiciary.

If the Ethics Commission receives a complaint alleging violations that are not within the Commission's jurisdiction, the Commission will forward the complaint to the appropriate agency for investigation and enforcement.

Complaint Form (Revised 11/6/01)Word  PDF HTML

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