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Ex-SFPD Captain Files Claim Over Demotion By Fong

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Jun 20, 2008 4:25 pm US/Pacific

Ex-SFPD Captain Files Claim Over Demotion By Fong

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong
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A former San Francisco Police Department deputy chief has filed a claim against the city for what he says was an "arbitrary" and "irrational" demotion by police Chief Heather Fong.

Capt. Stephen Tacchini filed the claim June 5, seeking financial and other damages for his Feb. 7 demotion from Fong's command staff.

Tacchini said Fong demoted him because he "might have had an inappropriate contact" with another San Francisco police official following an investigation of his son, police Officer James Tacchini, for an undisclosed off-duty incident. His son was later absolved of any wrongdoing, Tacchini said.

According to the claim, Tacchini's demotion by Fong was "arbitrary, capricious, pretextual and irrational," and violated due process laws.

In addition to loss of salary and benefits, Tacchini said he has suffered injury to his reputation, "public embarrassment and humiliation," adding, "highly unpleasant reactions consisting of anguish, anxiety, worry, loss of sleep and appetite, distress, resentment and others."

A spokesman for Fong declined to discuss a "personnel matter."

The City Attorney's office has 45 days to decide whether to accept or reject the claim and declined Friday to comment specifically on the matter.

If rejected, Tacchini could then file a lawsuit.