Former Assistant District Attorney James Hammer, an out gay man who provides legal analysis for local Fox News affiliate KTVU Channel 2, will join the city’s Police Commission as its newest member December 2.

In a surprise turn of events, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Hammer’s appointment to the citizen led police oversight panel at its meeting Tuesday, November 17. Behind the scenes there had been some moves to block Hammer’s being given the post.

But an apparent deal was worked out as no objections were raised when Hammer’s appointment was brought forward for a vote. The board’s Rules Committee had recommended the onetime police officer and Jesuit priest for the post on a 2-1 vote.

Openly gay Supervisor David Campos had voted against Hammer’s appointment – he favored seeing an out gay Latino be given the seat – but had said during the November 5 meeting that he would not block the decision when it went before the full board.

Hammer told the Bay Area Reporter late Tuesday that he was “really excited” about being given the post. He will be the panel’s only openly LGBT member and is widely expected to use the position as a launching pad for a run for district attorney when that elective office becomes vacant.

“I think it is a really exciting time for the city with a new chief of police. It is especially important to have an LGBT representative on there,” said Hammer. “It is a big responsibility, I think.”

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday the Police Commission does not meet next week. Hammer expects to be sworn-in sometime before the panel’s first meeting in December.