Ex-San Francisco Police Commissioner Found Dead

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- A former San Francisco police commissioner was found dead Sunday. The Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the death of Julius Turman, but didn't elaborate on the details surrounding his death.

NBC Bay Area reported Turman was found dead in his home Sunday afternoon.

Turman, who served as president of the commission, was a distinguished labor and employment law attorney and former assistant U.S. Attorney from the District of New Jersey. He joined the San Francisco Police Commission in 2012 and served until this month, police said.

The department praised Turman for his "collaboration with community members and department stakeholders."

“Commissioner Turman was a tremendously intelligent and compassionate man who cared deeply about this department,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott in a statement. “He worked to help us increase trust and respect and was relentlessly focused on bringing forth the best practices, policies and procedures to the San Francisco Police Department. We are grateful for his dedication and hard work and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Current commission president Thomas Mazzucco described Turman as "dedicated to breaking down barriers and building bridges between people."

“In the weeks before his passing, he demonstrated strength and fortitude to ensure that the important work of the Police Commission would continue," Mazzucco said. "Julius cared about the relationship between the SFPD and the people of our great city. He was a true San Franciscan and has earned the right to be called one of our finest.”

--Photo via San Francisco Police Department