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related to denials and approvals, clearer guidelines for determining helpfulness, and <br /> process for appealing denials including data and language, number of cases <br /> referred to DA's office, and accessibility and transparency of U-Visa resources on <br /> the City website. <br /> Sandra De Anda and Faby Jacome stated there are no immigration attorneys or <br /> experts assisting with U-Visa applications, and recommended establishing a <br /> Sanctuary Board. <br /> Commissioner Said requested clarification regarding the requirement for referring <br /> cases to differentjurisdictions, why referral data from 2017-2023 is difficult to obtain, <br /> what the standard turnaround time is for U-Visa follow-ups, the number of staff <br /> involved in processing U-Visas, and whether training has been provided for making <br /> determinations on applications. She requested an analyst be assigned to track <br /> applications, referrals, and denials, suggested the appellant review process be <br /> conducted by a different individual rather than the person who is processing the <br /> application within SAPD, more accessibility on City's website such as language <br /> options, recommended providing accurate contact information to applicants, and <br /> voiced concern regarding discretion in helpfulness determination. <br /> Commander Jorge Lopez stated there is no requirement to refer cases and cases <br /> sometimes are deferred to the DA's office when there is an ongoing prosecution <br /> involving the victim and there is no defined turnaround time requirement. He <br /> confirmed there is a unit dedicated for overseeing U-Visas with a crime analyst <br /> responsible for inputting all received information, and a sergeant who reviews and <br /> assigns cases to detectives for further review. <br /> Deputy Chief Roland Andrade spoke regarding data from 2017, the appeals <br /> process, and clarified the U-Visas applications process. <br /> Commissioner Mejia requested clarification on "helpfulness"and "usefulness."She <br /> suggested the following the revisions to the U-Visa policy: in Section 4130.3.1, <br /> adding language to include "Have been the victim, the bystander, or indirect'; in <br /> Section 4130,3.3, changing the title from "Victim's Responsibility to be Helpful" to <br /> "Guidance on Helpfulness"or"Definition on Helpfulness"; Section 4130.4, removing <br /> the language "such as the Department, verifying the applicant is the victim of <br /> qualifying criminal activity and has been helpful, is being helpful or is likely to be <br /> helpful to the investigation..."to avoid redundancy; and Section 4130.5, providing <br /> further explanation as to why applications are sent over to the DA's office. <br /> Commissioner Vega asked for information regarding the process for handling a <br /> victim's complaint against SAPD and whether such a cose could be handled by PD <br /> or DA. <br /> Deputy Chief Andrade clarified the investigating entity is responsible for the <br /> investigation, therefore, if a victim alleges a crime involving SAPD, the responsibility <br /> would fall on SAPD. <br /> Commissioner Perea asked whether the commission would be an appropriate entity <br /> to conduct the investigation in cases where SAPD is the alleged perpetrator, <br /> specifically for certifying a U-Visa for the victim. <br /> POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 4 AUGUST 14, 2025 <br />