On July 4th, 2025, while Americans celebrated our independence, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) published a graphic across its official social media accounts that left many stunned: the American flag was displayed upside down, directly beneath a “Happy 4th of July” message.

For those unfamiliar, an upside-down U.S. flag is not a stylized decoration or design choice—it is a recognized distress signal, defined by the U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S. Code § 8(a)) as appropriate only in situations of “extreme danger to life or property.” To post it on Independence Day without any context or explanation is deeply inappropriate, misleading, and disrespectful to the very nation the flag represents.

Our Immediate Response

When we saw the post, we didn’t jump to conclusions—we gave the department the benefit of the doubt. Mistakes happen. But as the hours passed, it became clear this wasn’t simply an error.

We took the following steps:

1. Publicly commented on the department’s social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook), tagging them directly and calling attention to the upside-down flag.

2. Watched as multiple members of the public also voiced their concern, with some expressing outrage and confusion about the department’s message.

3. After no response or correction from the department, we sent a formal internal email on July 4 to the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Assistant Sheriff, and Chief, requesting immediate removal of the post, clarification of how it was approved, and retraining for responsible personnel.

4. By the 18-hour mark, with the post still live and no acknowledgment issued, we submitted a formal complaint to California POST and the POST Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division, citing violations of POST Regulation 1019 and Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) standards.

 

Why This Matters

Law enforcement officers are held to high standards for a reason: we represent justice, order, and service to the public. Symbolic misuse—especially involving the American flag—is not a minor mistake. It erodes public trust, discredits the department, and reflects a failure of basic oversight and accountability.

If this was a political message disguised as a celebration post, that’s unacceptable. If it was a mistake, it should have been corrected immediately once flagged—not ignored for nearly a full day. Either explanation is troubling.

Under SB 2, law enforcement leaders are now subject to decertification for conduct that involves gross negligence, abuse of authority, failure of supervision, or actions that discredit the profession. This situation is now officially documented and submitted for review.

What We’re Asking For

• Immediate removal or correction of the post

• A public explanation from the Sheriff’s Office

• Internal review and retraining of public communications staff

• A renewed commitment to flag protocol, neutrality, and professional conduct

Final Thoughts

Patriotism isn’t about symbols—it’s about values. But when symbols are misused, especially by those entrusted to serve the public, it sends a message we cannot ignore.

We will continue to hold this department accountable—not for politics, but for professionalism.

To the public, we say this: You deserve a Sheriff’s Office that respects the flag, respects the truth, and responds when it makes a mistake. We will fight to make sure you get one.