SPOTLIGHT
Every few weeks we will spotlight one of our commissioner/board members so you have an opportunity to get to know the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board board members.
This week we spotlight Member William Palmer, II.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in 1970 and raised in Riverside California by my mother, four sisters, two brothers and a wonderful community of people. I remember practicing for school plays and church programs where I recited poems. My momma wanted me to play music instruments (cause I had imperfect pitch). I walked to Emerson Elementary school (two blocks away) with a trombone that was bigger than I was at seven years old. I found her acoustic guitar hidden in the breezeway closet at 12-years old and wanted to be the next James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix. My uncle Mack, a trained musician, who once owned and ran a jazz club in San Francisco, gave me private lessons. My grandmother later paid for lessons and my first electric guitar. My stage presence was nurtured from birth. After a foolish decision that arrested my life, I rediscovered my artist skills for spoken word, acting and painting. Now I get to interview amazing artists every Tuesday (12-4:00) as the host of Uplift on KPOO 89.5FM in San Francisco! Some dreams take a little longer to develop.
Why did you want to become a commissioner/board member?
A juvenile hall staff gave me a Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11-13 when I was 17-years old facing a 7 to life sentence. Prophet Joseph resonated with me as I searched for my life purpose. From a high school dropout that clashed with law enforcement to now a leader in transformative justice. I was encouraged to become an attorney. I passionately argue the pros or cons of a debate. I appeared before the Board of Parole Hearing 11 times, argued before the California Supreme Court, and created youth offender regulations to secure my liberation along with 1,200 others. One of my jobs upon reentry was as an undercover loss prevention agent. OMG! It was hard to enforce laws/policies. My lived experience benefits a board overseeing law enforcement and the agency to address public outcry with integrity. Working with the San Francisco Jail Justice Coalition and Sheriff Miyamoto gave me the confidence to become a SDOB member. My objective is to bring balance and solutions.
What do you want to accomplish as a commissioner/board member?
As a student of law enforcement in America I'm working to tear down the wall that divides the communities. Laws are by us for us within the ethics of Love. It's about living up to the name Sheriff, meaning honorable. The Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement charged with protecting people, property and maintaining public order. When deputies are respected, the community will welcome them to resolve safety issues. The voice of the people has demanded a holistic solution for a healthy diverse community. My ambition is to serve with all people in mind. Our city is one of the greatest cities in the world. It deserves the greatest means of protection.
And finally, since this is social media, a fun fact question: you have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
I grew up in the 80's on MTV when they didn't play videos by black artists. The song Roxanne performed by Sting and the Police, sung by Eddie in 48 Hours, is my go-to karaoke.
I think that sums up the spotlight of my life.
Thank you for letting us get to know you a bit better, William. We look forward to seeing great things from you and the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board!