43-Year Veteran SFPD Inspector Awarded for Assisting Domestic Violence Victims 25-018

The San Francisco Police Department recognized Inspector Antonio Flores on Wednesday for showing professionalism and compassion in his work by assisting a family last year who were victims of domestic violence.

Flores, a 43-year veteran of the SFPD, was one of four officers who received the Officer of the Month award during a celebration at City Hall with Mayor Daniel Lurie, Chief Bill Scott, and other city officials and community members.

Watch the Officer of the Month Awards Ceremony in its entirety.

The incident occurred on Oct. 6, when another SFPD sergeant contacted Flores, who works in the Special Victims Unit, about a domestic violence case in which a mother and her children were victims.

The sergeant had called all shelters in the city, but unfortunately, they were full. SFPD was concerned that the suspect might be released from jail and pose a threat to the mother and her children.

Flores immediately began working to assist the family. He contacted the President and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, Alex Bastian, who put him in contact with the General Manager of a Union Square Hotel.

Flores explained the urgency of the case and said he could use his credit card to secure the rooms.  Without hesitation, the general manager booked rooms at a government rate under Flores’ name to protect the victim’s identity.

Flores assisted in creating a safety plan for the victim and her children.

Additionally, Flores provided the victims with “Hope backpacks” from the nonprofit Reclaiming Hope, which supports survivors. The backpacks contained new clothes, toiletries, stuffed animals, and other information about services.

“After 43 years on the job, Flores still has the enthusiasm of a brand-new officer, and that is truly amazing,” SFPD Chief Bill Scott said. “He embodies the essence of this job, which is good people with good hearts here to serve the people.”

“Flores has been the backbone of a critical unit – a vital force in the fight against the most horrific crimes: domestic violence, human trafficking, sex assaults, and missing persons,” said Captain Alexa O’Brien, commanding officer of SVU. “He was instrumental in the creation of SVU, and his expertise has made him the department’s go-to authority in those areas.”

“As San Franciscans, we have to work together to put the city first and we will always work closely with the San Francisco Police Department, especially in cases involving the most vulnerable members of our community,” Bastian, the Hotel Council President and CEO, said.