San Francisco Police Department

SF Police Captain Greg Suhr

“I don’t know if that was a major factor in his decision,” said Delagnes, “but if Greg hadn’t gotten the job, it would’ve affected the relationship between myself and the mayor because he obviously wouldn’t take my counsel on something that I have to say about.”

The mayoral candidates’ support for Suhr will likely also be swayed by pressure from the police union, which is one of the most generous donors in San Francisco political races.

“I’ve spoken to all the major candidates on this topic and every one of them assured me that they were fine with Greg Suhr,” Delagnes said. “Regardless of who wins the mayor’s race, I wouldn’t expect any changes.”

Beyond the political considerations, Suhr’s appointment has been met with widespread approval from the police commission, District Attorney George Gascón and even some of the police department’s natural opponents.

Terrance Alan, a lobbyist with the city’s nightlife and entertainment industry, which has continually clashed with the police force for the better part of the past five years, said recently that Suhr’s appointment would be “a godsend.”

Suhr, a native who attended St. Ignatius Preparatory and the University of San Francisco, brings some baggage as part of his long history on the force. His relationship with former Chief Heather Fong was notoriously poor. In 2006, she exiled him to a post near the city’s Hetch Hetchy water supply. In 2009, she demoted him from deputy chief for not promptly reporting a domestic-violence incident involving a female friend, even though the friend said Suhr saved her life.

Suhr was also indicted in 2003 for allegedly obstructing an investigation involving off-duty officers who allegedly beat up a man in the Mission District over Mexican food. That charge was later dismissed.

But Suhr made plenty of friends during the time he headed the department’s patrol operations, as well as when he captained the Mission Station and later the Bayview Station.

“He taught me what community policing was,” said Dufty, the mayoral candidate. “Greg has touched every corner of this city.”

Jeff Adachi, the public defender who most recently criticized the police for raiding SRO rooms without warrants, said he had known Suhr for almost two decades.

“Greg is somebody who understands the pressures of being a police officer, but at the same time he’s experienced enough to know it’s better to play by the rules,” said Adachi.

Having observed Suhr handle the police department’s internal politics, Adachi called the new chief a “consummate professional.

“I remember when he’s been up and when he’s been down,” said Adachi. “When things happened to him he wouldn’t lash out, he would just be a good soldier.”