Chinese American leaders rallied behind Police Chief Heather Fong of San Francisco. Any attempt to remove [Chief Fong] or in some way to limit her authority will be met with very grave consequences," said Police Commissioner Douglas Chan, who echoed forum concerns that the chief might be scapegoated for the scandal. The key, Chan said, was for the mayor and board of supervisors to fund 750 police cadets over the next three years. Because of retirements and absences, the department recently didn't have 250 officers available for duty, with another 250 who could potentially retire. (Source: Samson Wong, AsianWeek, Dec. 23, 2005)