After leading the San Francisco Police Department for eight months as a caretaker chief, Paul Yep remains beside Chief Derrick Lew in the loosely defined role of special adviser, which has the benefit of juicing his pension payments.
But despite being in the twilight of his career, 57-year-old Yep, has the mentality of a lifelong learner.
Since April 10, he has been in Quantico, Virginia, at the FBI Academy as part of an elite 10-week program of rigorous physical, academic, and tactical training. Only one or two of SFPD’s commissioned officers are selected each year to participate in the program, which typically aims to turn mid-career officers into future leaders.
While department leaders defended their pick, two former command staffers and two current officers say Yep, who has nearly three decades of experience on the force, should not have been nominated for a training program meant for more junior officers.
Those officers, unlike Yep, have years remaining in the department; for example, Lew attended the academy in 2023, when he was a captain.
“It makes no sense to send a guy who was a chief to that class,” said former SFPD Deputy Chief Mikail Ali, who noted his high level of respect for both Lew and Yep. “It is 1,000% for future leaders within the organization.”
The SFPD has generally nominated lieutenants and captains for selection because of their ability to apply what they’ve learned as they move up in rank at the department.
‘It makes no sense to send a guy who was a chief to that class.It is 1,000% for future leaders within the organization.’
Former SFPD Deputy Chief Mikail Ali
“Why would Paul Yep need to go, unless he is padding his own résumé?” Ali said. “Maybe he wants to be chief someplace else? And even then I don’t get it. He was chief here for a year, which is a hell of a qualifier.”
Another former command staffer who attended the academy when he was a captain said it is where future leaders build their policing knowledge alongside counterparts from across the country.
“It’s not right he’s taking a spot that should be going to somebody else,” the former officer said.
Several times a year, the FBI invites roughly 260 law enforcement officers from around the country and world to teach them skills and help them develop into leaders. The requirements include being in good physical shape, being at least 25 years old, being a full-time officer in a police organization, and pledging to remain in law enforcement for at least three years. The program is also billed as a networking opportunity.
On Dec. 3, 2025, Lew was chosen to take over from Yep as chief. Yep sent a message to rank-and-file cops saying he would stay for several months to help the transition.
The objective of the academy, according to its brochure (opens in new tab), is to train leaders in policing trends and “prepare law enforcement partners for positions of greater responsibilities within their organization.”
While the FBI pays for transportation, lodging, and meals, participants must continue to receive salaries from their departments while attending the training. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment on Yep’s suitability for the program.
SFPD officials say Yep’s experience makes sense for the academy.
“This year, the SFPD nominated Paul Yep to apply for the FBI’s National Academy Program. Yep served at the highest level of the San Francisco Police Department and was an ideal candidate for the training,” spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said. “Yep applied and was selected by the FBI for the 10-week physically and academically rigorous course.”
Sernoffsky said the department nominates candidates who then apply to the program. The FBi gives candidates the final green light. Sernoffsky did not say how many other officers the SFPD put forward.
“Yep will gain extensive training and knowledge that he can bring back to the city of San Francisco to help build on the public safety progress our city has made over the last two years,” Sernoffsky said. He added that Yep is using his paid time off to attend the academy.
Yep did not respond to a request for comment. It’s unclear how long he will remain with the SFPD in his advisory role.
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