A San Francisco police official said that a search of a journalist's home might have violated the California Shield Law.

Independent journalist Bryan Carmody has obtained a confidential police report containing information about the death of prominent San Francisco public defender Jeff Adachi in February. Carmody, 59, refused to tell the authorities how he obtained the documents in April. A few weeks later, during a raid at Carmody's home, police seized his computers, cameras, phones, and laptops.

A few days after the May 10th raid, Scott said at a press conference that there was a criminal investigation into whether Carmody was an "active participant in the commission." criminal acts going beyond its role in the media. "

"This has raised important questions about our handling of this case and whether the California Shield Law has been violated," reads Scott's statement. The shield law protects journalists from contempt for refusing to reveal their sources, according to the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California.

Scott's statement also indicated that the Police Accountability Department would investigate the search warrant executed at Carmody's home and the publication of the Adachi Police Report. According to Scott, the department, under the supervision of the San Francisco Police Commission, will also review protocols involving members of the media.

"We have to do a better job," Scott said. "Journalists and everyone in our city deserve a police department that will uphold the constitutional rights of all."

The Association of Police Officers calls for the resignation of Scott

Scott said the investigation was initiated at the request of London Mayor, London Breed. The mayor initially supported the raid, but then tweeted, "The more we learn, the less it seems appropriate."

"A free and independent press plays a crucial role in our society, and we must redouble our efforts to honor not only the letter of California law Shield, but also its spirit," Breed said on May 19.

"The SFPD leader, William Scott, showed all SFPD members, and all San Franciscans, what his character was, a pathetic, misleading and shameful demonstration of self-preservation, of finger and political bent, statement read.

According to the communique, Scott did not inform the sergeant who signed the search warrant concerning Carmody's house of his journalist status. The POA statement also said Scott's apology "was clearly aimed at saving the face of his customers and not taking responsibility for his own actions".

"He should be immediately put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation," reads the statement. "Meanwhile, he should muster the courage to do it right and resign."