Mayor's Office Public Safety Blog

Welcome to Our Public Safety Blog

2009-10-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

As Mayor Gavin Newsom's Criminal Justice Director and Deputy Chief of Staff, I'd like to welcome you to our new Public Safety Blog.

Starting off, we'll use this blog as a platform to deliver updates from the San Francisco Police Department's 10 district station Captains. In this manner, we'll keep you directly informed on those public safety matters impacting our city.

Full letter.

SFPD Respond Quickly to Robbery of Elderly Woman, Suspect Captured

2009-10-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Taraval Police Station Update - Captain Paul C. Chignell
09/26/09, 10:23 am - An elderly woman went to an ATM machine on West Portal, withdrew money and then went into the bank to exchange the bills for smaller denominations. She then exited the bank and started to walk to her car in the bank parking lot with her wallet in her hand. Suddenly a suspect appeared and grabbed the wallet from her hand and took off running down the street. The victim screamed for assistance and a witness saw the man running, and stated to the suspect, "what is going on?" The suspect said "some woman is screaming down there" and then took off running again. Officers Donati, Chang, Shinbori, Meyer and Owens responded to the area to try to find the suspect. They broadcast a specific description of the suspect's features and clothing. Officer J. Callaghan of the San Francisco State University Police Department spotted a suspect on a Municipal Railway light rail vehicle at Ocean and Victoria who matched the description of the suspect. When the suspect saw the officer, he crouched down in his seat. The driver of the light rail vehicle told the officer that a number of people on the vehicle pointed to the suspect as the thief. The suspect exited the vehicle and was told to stop by Officer Callaghan but the suspect continued to flee. Officer Callaghan was struggling with the suspect adjacent to a metal fence when he was joined by Officers Owens and Shinbori who assisted him in taking the suspect into custody. The officers located the victim's property a few feet from the suspect. The victim was summoned to the scene and positively identified the suspect as the perpetrator. The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal record, was arrested for grand theft, elder abuse, resisting arrest and a probation violation. We commend the officers for their quick response and heroic efforts.

CBS 5: San Francisco Crime Rate Drops 12%

2009-06-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

The crime rate in San Francisco has dropped 12 percent so far this year, according to new statistics released Monday by the police department.

Police Captain Albert Pardini reeled off the new stats to the Supervisors' Committee Monday: rape down 9 percent, robbery 23 percent, homicide 57 percent, motor vehicle theft 17 percent, arson 7 percent -- with a total overall reduction of 12 percent. He credited zone policing and the success of the police department in arresting suspects in a number of serial burglaries around the city.

Whatever the reason, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi who represents residents in the high crime area of the Western Addition was ready to tip his hat.

"It's good to be at this place where we're seeing such progress on many levels in the City and County," Mirkirimi said. "I think the police department is doing a solid job."

The big story continues to be the major reduction in homicides in San Francisco. There were 20 murders as of June 6, 2009 -- compared to 47 during the same period last year.

Full article.

Officers Arrest Armed Parolee, Net Illegal Firearm

2009-06-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Tenderloin Station Update - Captain Gary Jimenez
A Tenderloin Station plain-clothes unit, consisting of Sergeant Obrochta and officers Moylan, Montero, Lew and Conway, were on car patrol in the area of Ellis and Jones streets, an area saturated with violent criminals, narcotics and weapons. The Officers observed a group of suspicious persons along Ellis Street. They recognized one of the subjects as an active parolee known for violence and narcotics convictions. As they reversed their vehicle in order to contact the parolee, another subject ran eastbound on Ellis, clutching at his waistband. Recognizing these actions as being consistent with concealing a weapon, the Officers displayed their badges and ordered the suspect to stop. He didn’t. During the pursuit, the Officers saw the subject discard a fully loaded assault pistol on Eddy Street. The suspect was soon arrested, and the firearm was recovered. These dedicated Officers should be commended for hard work that removed an armed felon from our streets.

Undercover Ops Net Stolen Goods, Perpetrators

2009-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Tenderloin Station Update - Captain Gary Jimenez
Recently, Sergeant Liu and Officers Muselman, Moylan, Johnson and Dudley, under the direction of Lieutenant Militello, worked an undercover operation for the recovery of stolen property. The team conducted its surveillance in the area of UN Plaza and the corner of Jones and McAllister – two areas known as open markets for the sale and purchase of stolen goods. On four occasions during the operation, the team observed the attempted sale of goods. The items included electronics equipment – iPods, a GPS system, a car stereo – and cigarettes that lacked the proper government seals. After recovering the goods, the team was able to reach the owner of one of the iPods. The owner thought the iPod was still in the glove box of her car. Upon checking, she informed officers that not only was the iPod gone, but the car’s stereo had been stolen, as well. In another instance, a recovered GPS unit led Officers to the victim’s car in the Bayview area, where the device had been stolen just two hours earlier. Because of the team’s fine undercover work and subsequent interrogation, three suspects were booked.

Dog Doo Afternoon

2009-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Tenderloin Station Update - Captain Gary Jimenez
5/28/09, 2 PM - Officer Jones responded to a call on Jones St., regarding a battery. A dog person was asked by a concerned citizen to clean up after his dog did a big poop deposit. The unknown errant pet lover walked away with his dog without complying with local 'pooper scooper' laws. The environmentalist quickly walked in front of the departing dog and dog owner to insist they not leave without first cleaning up his dog’s mess. The dog owner pushed our concerned citizen to the ground and the dog duo then fled southbound on Jones St. to Golden Gate Ave. This suspect is described as being a white male, 30-35 years old, 6 feet tall and 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket and sports a 'punk' hairstyle.

Shots ‘Spotted,’ Arrests Made, Guns Seized

2009-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

On May 30, at 2:02 AM, the ShotSpotter system detected four gunfire incidents in the Bayview, identifying the distinct location of each. The shots were fired in close succession and proximity. Officers from Bayview Station were immediately dispatched to the area. Upon arrival, they spotted a vehicle driving away from the scene, erratically and at a high rate of speed.

The officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After securing the subjects, the officers looked inside the vehicle, where two firearms were in plain view. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a third firearm. All four subjects were arrested and booked on felony firearms violations. One of the guns was reported stolen three weeks before.

This is an excellent example of how technology can inform and augment policing. Indeed, it is one clear example of how ShotSpotter is an effective tool in solving and preventing crime. These unlawful discharges would not have been detected or reported if ShotSpotter were not in place, as there were no citizen reports of this incident. Because of this, four arrests were made and three guns were seized – guns that are no longer in circulation and cannot be used in further criminal acts.

A Formula for Falling Homicides

2009-06-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Chron ran an article over the weekend highlighting the 58% fall in the homicide rate.

"Five months into 2009, the city has recorded 17 homicides compared to 45 at this time last year and 40 at this time in 2007.

There have been nine black male murder victims this year, compared to 23 at this time in 2008 and 16 in 2007. And there have been no murders attributable to black-on-black gang violence this year, which was long pegged as one of the prime drivers in the city's spiking murder rate.

Crime analysts say crime rates usually climb during economic recessions, making this year's homicide drop even more unlikely. Kevin Ryan, the director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, credited the new "zone strategy," in which police officers flood the most crime-ridden neighborhoods.

He said a renewed focus on high-risk people on probation and violent gangs is also working. He also praised the District Attorney's office for tougher charging on gang and gun crimes and the Department of Justice for getting involved in the gang cases.

"We have come up with a formula that has stemmed the tide for now, but we must watch the trends and be prepared for new strategies as the situation requires," he said."

Kron4 Reports on the 58% Decrease in Homicides

2009-05-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Taraval Station Once Again the Cat's Meow

2009-05-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
5/22/09, 4:30 PM – A man who lives on the 4000 block of Noriega flagged down Officer Patrice Scanlan. He told the officer that he had lost a cat named "Fluffy" about a month ago and that he could hear meowing coming from an abandoned house on 47th Ave. The officer stopped and found that the house was abandoned, as an elderly person who lived in the house had recently passed away. She checked the house and found all the doors and windows locked. Officer Scanlan searched the house and found Fluffy hiding under an oven, in an upstairs kitchen. Fluffy was reunited with his owner. Taraval officers are here to serve in many ways.

Don't Bank on It

2009-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Central Station Update - Captain James Dudley
4/27/09, 9 AM - Yesterday, a bank was robbed on the 200 block of Montgomery Street. Officer John Ferrando responded, took the report and coordinated with the Robbery Detail and communications. The 40 year old male suspect was tracked onto Muni rail and arrested across the City within an hour. It was a great piece of coordination, determination and anticipation.

Zero Graffiti for a Beautiful City

2009-04-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Save the Date! The Graffiti Advisory Board of the City and County of San Francisco & the San Francisco Department of Public Works invite you to attend:

"Zero Graffiti for a Beautiful City"
Anti-Graffiti Super Huddle
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hilton San Francisco Financial District BALLROOM
750 Kearny Street
2:45 p.m. Registration
3-5 p.m. Program
5-6 p.m. Social Hour

· Receive the latest information on the City's campaign to defeat graffiti vandalism.
· Learn how you can get involved.
· The event will feature guest speakers and neighborhood resource tables.
· A fun social hour where you will meet others, who share your concern about graffiti and want to take action.

There is no charge for the Huddle, however registration is required. To register, e-mail zerograffiti@sfdpw.org. For more information call 415-641-2600.

West Portal Night Burglar Caught in Dragnet by Taraval Police Officers

2009-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days, there has been a string of burglaries of single family dwellings. They have occurred in the late night and early morning hours in the West Portal, St. Francis Wood and Forest Hill neighborhoods. The residences have been entered through rear and side windows or doors, with the burglar taking laptop computers and other valuables. On numerous occasions, residents were home asleep when the burglaries occurred.

We formulated a plan to address this crime series. Part of the plan, over the past four days, was to saturate the affected neighborhoods with plainclothes officers from Taraval Station. This was a coordinated effort aimed at being able to respond to a reported crime within seconds and seal off the possible escape route of a suspect or suspects. The plan also focused on public awareness and the importance of immediately reporting any suspicious activity.

Yesterday morning (4/19/09) at 1:45 AM, a couple asleep on Forest Side, in West Portal, heard noises in their home. They awoke to an escaping burglar, who had entered through a ground level side window and then gone into the residence. The suspect took a laptop computer, iPhone and camera. The residents called 911 and Taraval officers responded to the scene, surrounding the area within seconds. Officers Jose Guardado, Duane Elzey, Juan Gala and Gregory Pak were part of a larger group of officers in the area. They spotted a man at the West Portal tunnel who was acting suspiciously and in possession of a bag with a computer and camera, partly sticking out of the bag. The suspect was trying to hide himself in a bus shelter and was constantly peering out at a nearby marked police car. The officers detained the suspect, found a witness who saw the suspect walking with the bag and found the victims' iPhone, camera and laptop.

Subsequent investigation revealed that three other residences on Forest Side and Magellan were burglarized in the early morning hours today as well. Some of the property from a burglary on Magellan was found in the bag controlled by the suspect.

The suspect, who is on parole for a burglary conviction, and has addresses in the South of Market and in Visitacion Valley, was arrested for burglary, receiving stolen property, and a parole violation. The investigation by members of the Taraval Police Station, Burglary Detail Inspectors and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit continues.

We are proud of the work of the officers of Taraval Police Station to protect our community.

Excellent Communication, Cooperation Between Units Nets Robbery Arrests

2009-04-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
4/7/09, 6 PM - At Crespi and 7th, a man was confronted by a gun-wielding suspect demanding his money. The victim resisted and the suspect ran to a waiting getaway car driven by a second suspect. The victim used his cell phone to call the police. The description of the suspects’ red Chevrolet was broadcast throughout the city by Taraval officers. A similar robbery occurred, with the same suspects, at Herman and Fillmore, a half hour later. Sergeant Anthony Damato, of the Tactical Division, spotted the car at Ashbury and Hayes, stopped the vehicle, and took two suspects into custody. The victim from Crespi and 19th identified one of the suspects as the robber. These suspects may be linked to a series of armed robberies.

Outstanding Work Takes Serial Robbers Off Streets

2009-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
4/4/09, 7:15 AM - A woman was walking in the area of Holloway and Denslowe, when three men exited a red Volkswagen, assaulted her and drove away with her purse. Officers Darwin Naval and James Drilon, responding to the incident, recognized the suspects’ description from an earlier robbery in the Ingleside in which a woman had been attacked after she left an ATM. The officers took the suspects’ and vehicle’s descriptions and tended to the victim, who had been injured in the attack. A few minutes later, Officers Francis Feliciano and Orit Samson spotted the vehicle and three suspects travelling in the area of 19th and Winston. The officers conducted a high risk felony stop and detained the suspects. They then located an independent witness, who described the event in detail. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that a third robbery had occurred earlier in the area of 23rd and Noe. In that case, the victim had been hit over the head with a tire iron and robbed. A firearm had also been displayed by one of the suspects in that case. The suspects were identified and property from the three victims was discovered in the getaway vehicle. All three suspects live in the Richmond and each was arrested on three counts of robbery and conspiracy. This was outstanding work by Taraval police officers, removing three predatory robbers from the streets.

Citywide Crime Profile

2009-04-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Part 1 Crimes Summary Through 3/30.*

Violent Crimes	YTD 2008	YTD 2009	% Chg
Homicide	28	11	-61%
Rape	50	38	-24%
Robbery	912	750	-18%
Aggravated Assault	533	421	-21%
Property Crimes
Arson	61	49	-20%
Burglary	1,256	1,145	-9%
Other Larceny	3,020	2,580	-15%
Auto Boosting	3,250	2,262	-30%
Motor Vehicle Theft	1,550	1,274	-18%
Violent Crimes Total	1,523	1,220	-20%
Property Crimes Total	9,137	7,310	-20%
Combined Total	10,660	8,530	-20%

*For both years, the above crime statistics are through 3/30, with the exception of Rape and Robbery, which are through 3/28.

Cops Matter. Police Count.

2009-04-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

There’s a story on crime reductions in the Los Angeles Times today:

Crime in much of Los Angeles County and elsewhere in Southern California has dropped significantly so far this year, despite an economic meltdown that has pushed unemployment into double digits, imploded the housing market and shuttered countless businesses.

The decline flies in the face of predictions made by many crime experts that the region would probably experience substantial increases in property-related crimes and some types of violence as more people fell into financial hardship (…)

Across the country, however, things are far more uneven. More than 100 large police departments have reported increases in property crimes or robberies this year, according to a survey by a police research group.

San Francisco is one of those cities experiencing a significant drop in crime. Our most recent Citywide Crime Profile showed violent crime down 18% and property crime down 26%. That’s an overall reduction of 25%.

Specifically in violent crime, non-fatal shootings are down 22% compared to 2008 and 37% compared to 2007. Turning to homicides, there have been 11 through the first quarter of the year. This compares to 28 last year and 24 the year before. That’s a reduction of 61% compared to 2008 and of 58% compared to the average of the last two years. Nowhere have these gains been greater than in the Mission District. The Mission sustained 14 homicides through September of last year, but has had only one in the past six months and none thus far in 2009. While we are only three months into 2009, these are significant gains and I know that all our public safety partners are committed to cooperatively furthering them.

These gains are a product of smart and focused policing. The SFPD is now fourteen months into its Zone Strategy, deploying maximum available resources to those areas experiencing a disproportionate amount of crime. Part of this has been a critical focus on community policing – getting out of the cars and working with the community to solve problems.

These gains are also a product of the Department’s focus on rigorously analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. Over the last few years, there have been eight major studies, focused on everything from reducing technology gaps to most efficiently staffing foot patrols to optimally organizing our investigations bureau. These studies have produced over 350 recommendations, many of which are being presently implemented. With more budget cuts ahead of us, using these recommendations as guidelines for efficiency will be even more critical. A large part of this will be how we apply for and utilize those federal stimulus dollars targeted for public safety. Moving forward, we’ll keep you posted on this.

It is important to note that much of this would not be possible without a determined focus on adequately staffing the SFPD – a core commitment of Mayor Newsom.

The above points are part of a larger coordinated criminal justice response. But they highlight a simple point: more police officers, working in more efficient ways, spending more time in the community, can reduce crime. In this, I know that both Mayor Newsom and I agree with Chief Bratton:

"Cops matter. Police count."

K.

Trust Fund Information for Fallen OPD Officers

2009-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

While no words can speak to the sacrifice and loss surrounding the deaths of Officers Dunakin, Hege, Romans and Sakai, I highlight the comments of Oakland Police Officers' Association President Dominique Arotzarena:

"I am at a loss for words, as any word will not relieve the pain. I just know that my brothers died doing what they loved to do. They were the heart of this police department. They were always positive, eager, smiling, and helpful. They were go-to people. They were sons, fathers, husbands and friends (...) and they were Oakland Police Officers. This department will sorely miss its brothers, and will never forget them. In our time of need, please pray for us; please give us strength to continue to serve our community."
###

From the Office of the Mayor and Oakland City Council

March 23, 2009

Oakland – There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from our city and from communities across this country. The City of Oakland has been contacted by many individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to trust funds for the families of the fallen officers. There are two ways one can contribute:

1. Individual Checks made out to families and mailed to c/o OPOA:

Attn: Rennee Hassna
555 5th Street
Oakland Ca, 94607

Make checks out to the following:

a.“Dunakin Children’s Family Trust”
b.“Romans Children’s Family Trust”
c.“Sakai Family Trust”

2. Wire transfers directly to Merrill Lynch Accounts.

a. “Dunakin Children’s Family Trust”
a/c #204-04065

b. “Romans Children’s Family Trust”
a/c #204-04066

c. “Sakai Family Trust”
a/c #204-04064

Updates and information will be posted at OPOA.org.

Crimestats Show Significant Reductions in Homicides and Non-Fatal Shootings

2009-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

As we near the end of the first quarter of 2009, we continue to see strong reductions in violent crime, both across the city and in our five targeted zones. The below numbers evidence this.

Year	Homicides	Non-Fatal Shootings
2007	23	62
2008	19	50
2009	11	39
'09 v. '08	-42%	-22%
'09 v. '07	-52%	-37%

SFPD Arrest Three Suspects In February 23 Tenderloin Homicide

2009-03-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

San Francisco police have arrested three suspects in the homicide that occurred on February 23, 2009, near the intersection of Turk and Taylor streets at 10:22 P.M. Taken into custody last Saturday afternoon, March 14, in Oakland, were Javon Fee, 28, of Oakland; Rorico Reyna, 29, of Hayward; and Barbara Barnes, 24, of San Francisco.

The suspects were charged with one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder. They remain in custody with bail set at $2 million for each suspect.

Full SFPD press release here. SFGate coverage here.

Bicycle Burglary Bungled

2009-03-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
03/12/09, 10:10 AM - On 10th Avenue, a woman opened her garage door and went back into her house. She then heard sounds coming from the garage and observed a man taking her bicycle out of the garage and fleeing down the street. She tried to chase the man, to no avail, and got into her car to look for him. She then spotted San Francisco Police Tactical Officer Timothy Mayer on a motorcycle. The officer searched the area and spotted the suspect at 11th Avenue and Irving. The officer arrested the suspect, who was positively identified by the victim. The suspect, who lives at a parole halfway house, has numerous arrests for burglary and is on parole for burglary. He was arrested for burglary and a parole violation.

Upcoming NERT Training Dates

2009-03-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) training, offered by the San Francisco Fire Department, focuses on emergency skills and personal preparedness. To attend, contact Lt. Erica Arteseros at (415) 970-2022 or sign-up online. Some upcoming debates include:

Sunset District
Wednesdays, 6:30pm-9:30pm
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6
Sunset Ministry Church Hall
3010 Noriega @ 37th Ave

Marina District
Mondays, 6:30pm-9:30pm
April 13, 20. 27, May 4, 11, and 18
St. Mary the Virgin Church Hall
Union Street @ Steiner Street

Western Addition/Lower Pacific Heights
Thursdays, 6:30pm-9:30pm
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 2
2390 Bush Street @ Pierce

Duboce Triangle/Castro
Two Day Intensive!
Saturdays May 2 and 9,8:00am-5:00pm
CPMC Davies Hospital N. Tower
Duboce Street @ Castro Street

Sharp-Eyed Citizens, Responsive Officers

2009-03-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Our last Citywide Crime Profile showed Auto-Boostings (i.e. breaking your window and stealing your radio) down by 38% and Motor Vehicle Theft (i.e. stealing your actual car) down by 16%. The below case exemplifies the sharp-eyed residents and responsive officers driving these reductions.

As with most any crime, citizen-provided information is key to making arrests and increasing public safety. Residents observed suspicious behavior and notified the police, who investigated and arrested the alleged responsible parties. Simple as that.

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
3/5/2009, 5:30 AM - Residents informed the police that two suspects were peering into parked cars with flashlights on De Soto Street. Officers Labson and Kavanagh spotted a vehicle nearby, on Urbano Drive, containing two persons matching the suspects' descriptions. In the vehicle, the officers observed a flashlight, wedged between one supect and the passenger door, as well as various screwdrivers and shaved keys, tucked between the seats. There were car radios and media players in the seatwells. The officers observed another car close by, with the door unlocked, and the radio missing. They made contact with the owner of that vehicle, who stated that she parked and locked her car the night before. The woman, who lives on De Soto, identified one of the car radios as belonging to her. One of the suspects stated that he bought the radio at a flea market in San Jose. The suspects, who have been previously arrested for auto-related crimes, were arrested for conspiracy, auto burglary, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and auto tampering.

KVR

$100,000 Homicide Reward Announced

2009-03-04T13:17:00.001-08:00

Mayor Newsom recently authorized a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and convictions of person(s) responsible for the death of Juan Bouza, on April 8, 2006. Anyone with information should call the SFPD's tip line at (415) 575-4444.

Citywide Crime Profile

2009-03-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

Part 1 Crimes Summary Through 2/25.*

Violent Crimes	YTD 2008	YTD 2009	% Chg
Homicide	14	7	-50%
Rape	21	22	5%
Robbery	553	461	-17%
Aggravated Assault	312	251	-20%
Property Crimes
Arson	18	26	44%
Burglary	756	620	-18%
Other Larceny	1,852	1,467	-21%
Auto Boosting	1,965	1,201	-39%
Motor Vehicle Theft	933	780	-16%
Violent Crimes Total	900	741	-18%
Property Crimes Total	5,524	4,094	-26%
Combined Total	6,424	4,835	-25%

*For both years, the above crime statistics are through 2/25, with the exception of Rape, which is through 2/21.

Medals of Valor - Bayview Ceasefire Team

2009-02-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I blogged on Captain Daniel McDonagh's receiving a Medal of Valor for his response to a fatal shooting at the Metreon Theater. The below, excerpted from Captain John Loftus' remarks, are the events which also earned members of Bayview Station's Ceasfire Team Medals of Valor.

On August 2, 2007, just after 6:30 PM, Officers Reggie Scott, Jason Kirchner, and Jerry Lyons, all members of the Bayview Ceasefire Team, saw a silver Honda sedan, occupied by two males, turn from Garlington Court onto LaSalle Avenue. The officers observed that there were no license plates displayed on the vehicle. As the vehicle passed, in the opposite direction, the two men inside looked toward the officers, with an expression of shock.

The officers knew that it was common practice for gang members to remove their vehicle license plates – it prevents identification by witnesses when committing acts of violence. As Officer Lyons made a U-Turn, the Honda sped up and fled the area at a high speed. The officers gave chase, but were unable to keep up with the suspects’ vehicle. They called an emergency broadcast and advised dispatch and responding units of the pursuit. Moments later, the sound of screeching tires drew the officer’s attention to Bell Court, where they located the suspect vehicle, stopped.

As he approached the vehicle, Officer Scott observed the passenger struggling with something on the seat. The passenger quickly abandoned his attempt to remove the item and fled on foot with the driver. As Officers Scott and Kirchner pursued on foot, Officer Lyons used the patrol vehicle to circle around, attempting to cut off the suspect. While chasing the suspects, Officers Scott and Kirchner noticed that the driver kept his hands hidden in front of his body as he ran.

As Officer Scott closed in on the driver, he suddenly turned, pointing a machine pistol, equipped with an extended magazine, at the officers. From less than ten yards away, Officer Scott clearly saw the weapon and announced the danger. Without immediate cover, Officer Scott drew his pistol and fired two rounds at the suspect, striking the ground in front of the suspect. The suspect ran, discarding the machine pistol over a nearby fence.

The suspects continued running from the officers and shed their jackets, to alter their appearance. Unfortunately, the suspects were lost in the area. Officer Scott recovered the machine pistol, and Officers Kirchner and Lyons returned to the abandoned vehicle, where they found an assault rifle, equipped with a scope and loaded 40 round magazine. This was the object that the passenger was attempting to retrieve. The Ceasefire Team and Gang Task Force, in coordination, later captured the suspects.

Officers Reggie Scott and Jason Kirchner are being recognized for their keen observations, diligent pursuit of dangerous suspects, and outstanding courage. Bravely intercepting two heavily-armed gang members, these remarkable officers undoubtedly prevented additional carnage. They are well-deserving of commendation.

KVR

SFPD Arrest 13 Robbery Suspects

2009-02-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

The SFPD posted the below press release Friday.

San Francisco Police have arrested 13 robbery suspects over a two-day period, including the arrest of a knife-wielding suspect in a taxi robbery series.

On Tuesday, February 17, police arrested Giampiero Bazzoni, 58, of San Francisco, after a cab robbery that occurred at Washington and Taylor streets at approximately 1:15 A.M. In this incident, the suspect had gotten into a taxi driven by a 35-year-old male. After driving for a few blocks, the suspect placed a knife against the driver’s neck and demanded money. The driver managed to jump out of the cab unharmed and the suspect climbed over the back seat and attempted to drive the cab but crashed into a wall on the 1200 block of Taylor. The suspect got out of the cab and the victim chased him and tackled him to the pavement and detained him until police arrived. Bazzoni was charged with robbery and carjacking.

Bazzoni is the suspect in two other taxi robberies, one on January 18, at Pine and Leavenworth streets, and one on January 16, at Pacific Avenue and Taylor Street, both occurring in the early morning. There were no injuries to the victims in those incidents.

Also on Tuesday, February 17, at approximately 1:30 P.M., police arrested Dante Armstrong, 33, of San Francisco, for a robbery that occurred on February 15. Investigators developed investigative leads, identifying Armstrong as the suspect and began a surveillance operation. He was taken into custody after he drove his 1995 Oldsmobile into a parking lot on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue. Armstrong was charged with robbery and various narcotic violations.

Robbery Arrests in Mission District Evidence Exceptional Policework

2009-02-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Mission Station Update - Captain Steve Tacchini

Excerpted from Weekly Newsletter - 2/20/09

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been several street robberies in the Mission District. In response, the officers of Mission Station have made some outstanding arrests. It’s important to remember that one or two suspects, for any single incident, may be responsible for multiple previous incidents. This is particularly the case with robberies. Because of this, a single robbery arrest can significantly reduce the incidence of future robberies. I am confident that this is the case with these arrests.

One recent case, in particular, stands out. Two suspects robbed two victims, demanding their valuables at shotgun-point. The suspects fled, but after officers responded, the victims observed the suspects on a different block. A separate set of officers secured the area and began a slow, methodical search of the block. One officer noticed a woman looking out her front window and sensed that something was wrong from the way she was looking at him. He knocked on her door and quietly asked if everything was alright. She responded by shaking her head and motioning toward the back of her house. The officers quickly entered the house, finding one of the suspects sitting in the living room. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, though he had warned the woman not to say anything to the police when they knocked on her door.

In this case, the suspect easily could have escaped but for the alert and perceptive officer who followed his instincts and pursued things just a little further. Even more important was the woman’s courage – looking out the window, making eye contact with the officer and, through non-verbal means, conveying a sense of fear and urgency.

This is just one example of the excellent work done on a daily basis by the officers of Mission Station. I am very proud of the work they do and you should be too!

-Captain Steve Tacchini

Upcoming NERT Training Dates

2009-02-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) training, offered by the San Francisco Fire Department, focuses on emergency skills and personal preparedness. To attend, contact Lt. Erica Arteseros at (415) 970-2022 or sign-up online. Some upcoming debates include:

Richmond District
Tuesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
Zion Church and School
495 9th Ave. (Cross-street is Anza)

Financial District
Wednesdays, 9:00am-4:00pm
March 4, 11, and 18
Federal Reserve Building
101 Market St. (Cross-street is Spear)

Laurel Heights/Lower Pac Heights/Presidio Hill
Thursdays, 8:30am-5:30pm
March 12 and 26
SF Jewish Community Center
3200 California St. (Cross-street is Presidio Ave.)
Two Day Intensive!

Strong Success in Violence Reduction

2009-02-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Chronicle ran a very positive story on the SFPD's presentation before the Police Commission last night. There are tangible gains, the product of a focused deployment strategy.

Gun bloodshed dropped sharply in San Francisco in the first year of a police effort to focus crime-fighting efforts on the city's five hardest-hit areas, authorities said Wednesday

Nonfatal shootings were down 35 percent both citywide and in the five neighborhoods, which police said was a sign that stepped-up enforcement wasn't simply driving violence into other areas. "It was down 35 percent in the zones, 35 percent citywide," said Deputy Chief Kevin Cashman, who is in charge of the department's patrol efforts. "We didn't displace gun violence."

There were 11 nonfatal shootings in the Tenderloin in the past year, compared with 25 the year before - a drop of 56 percent. Homicides declined from nine to seven. Police credited drug enforcement and more officers walking beats in the mid-Market Street area with reducing bloodshed there.

The results were also dramatic in the Western Addition, where nonfatal shootings plunged more than 73 percent - from 34 in the year before the police campaign began to just nine in the 12 months ending Feb. 4. Homicides dropped from seven to five.

A court injunction that the city obtained against three gangs in the area, barring members from gathering in public or being out late at night, has been "very effective" in reducing Western Addition violence, Cashman said.

In the Mission District, the increased enforcement kept an outbreak of gang violence last fall from being worse than it was, Cashman said. "A potential gang war was averted," he said. Nonfatal shootings dropped from 34 to 25, a decrease of 26 percent; while homicides dropped from 13 to eight.

In the Bayview District, homicides dropped 30 percent, from 20 to 14, but nonfatal shootings were down by only two - 47 this past year, compared with 49 the year before. In Visitacion Valley, the number of homicides dropped to five, from 10 the year before. Nonfatal shootings were down 33 percent, from 30 to 20.

KVR

Second Degree Burglary, First Degree Chutzpah

2009-02-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Our most recent Citywide Crime Profile showed Auto Boostings down 50% and Motor Vehicle Thefts down 18% (comparing '08 and '09). The below exemplifies the hard work that is driving these reductions.

On a separate note, the brazenness exhibited by some crooks never ceases to amaze me. Here is a man on State parole, with a no-bail warrant out for his arrest, openly engaged in (alleged) auto-burglary and theft – and he has the nerve to ask a passerby to assist him by loaning him jumper cables!

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
02/15/09, 5:28 PM - Sergeant Woo and Officer Goff responded to a report of a man breaking into an automobile at Santiago and Lower Great Highway. When they arrived, they saw a man trying to jumpstart a vehicle using cables requested from a passerby. Though the man stated that the vehicle belonged to his aunt, the officers noticed that he had a bent coat hanger and spark plug chips in his possession. Both of these items are commonly used to enter locked vehicles (through a window, or by breaking a window, respectively). After further investigation, and as they were about to handcuff the man, he fled. He initially headed east on Santiago, before turning down 47th Avenue. While seeking to evade the officers, he discarded his coat and tools. He dodged in and out of parked cars, but was finally captured by Officers Oshita and Shanahan, on the 2400 block of 47th Avenue. The officers continued their investigation, finding that one of the cars had been forcibly entered and that the other was reported stolen. The suspect, a San Francisco resident, has a lengthy criminal record. He was arrested for a no bail parole warrant, burglary, receiving stolen property, auto theft and resisting arrest.

KVR

Police Athletic League Cadet Program

2009-02-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

The SFPD Cadet Program is currently accepting applications for Police Athletic League Cadets. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 20, pass a background exam, and (if in school) have a GPA of at least 2.0. For more info, visit the PAL website or call (415) 401-4781.

The San Francisco Police Activities League builds community by organizing youth sports and healthy activities that develop personal character and foster a positive relationship among police officers, youth and dedicated volunteers (...)

San Francisco PAL reaches out to underserved kids in the City and provides safe, healthy activities which promote teamwork, personal responsibility, self-confidence, exercise and healthy living. At a time when youth are barraged with negative influences and unproductive choices, our programs offer safe, constructive alternatives to gang involvement, crime, teen pregnancy, delinquency, video game playing and just plain lethargy.

KVR

Yield or Be Cited

2009-02-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Captain Chignell informed me that between 10AM and 11:30AM, on February 11, Taraval Station officers cited 31 drivers for failing to yield to pedestrians at Sunset and Santiago. This is an excellent example of the focused enforcement that helped to reduce traffic fatalities by 56% in the Taraval, and 37% Citywide, in 2008.

KVR

NERT Alert

2009-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) training will be held in the Community Room at Bayview Station, on Saturday, March 28, and Saturday, April 11. This will be the two-day intensive course, running from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The training, offered by the San Francisco Fire Department, focuses on emergency skills and personal preparedness. To attend, contact Lt. Erica Arteseros at (415) 970-2022 or sign-up online.

46% Increase in Drunk Driving Arrests

2009-02-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we informed you on the increase in traffic citations in 2008, as well as the corresponding decrease in traffic fatalities. Continuing, below is a comparison of 2007 and 2008 DUI arrests. Driving while intoxicated is a serious matter and, in my view, the SFPD is doing an excellent job of focusing closely on this conduct. I reiterate that 15 fewer people died last year in traffic fatalities, than in 2007.

**SFPD DUI Arrests - 46% Increase**
Station	2007	2008	% Chg.
Central	28	22	-21%
Southern	54	63	17&
Bayview	62	76	23%
Mission	72	101	40%
Northern	88	87	-1%
Park	53	83	57%
Richmond	64	191	198%
Ingleside	73	75	3%
Taraval	48	108	125%
Tenderloin	28	24	-14%
Total	570	830	46%

KVR

Going by the Numbers: Traffic Citations Up, Traffic Fatalities Down

2009-02-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

The following statistics tell a compelling story. In many of the places in which the SFPD has stepped up vehicle code enforcement, we can see corresponding reductions in traffic fatalities. Citywide, traffic citations increased 19% and traffic fatalities decreased 37%. Fifteen fewer people were killed in traffic fatilities in 2008, than in 2007.

**Traffic Citations - 19%Increase**
District	2007	2008	% Chg.
Central	5,685	5,200	-9%
Southern	8,378	10,290	23%
Bayview	5,198	7,653	47 %
Mission	9,081	11,178	23%
Northern	5,207	4,924	-5%
Park	6,240	6,031	-3%
Richmond	6,999	12,739	82%
Ingleside	11,940	10,960	-8%
Taraval	6,411	12,920	102%
Tenderloin	5,215	4,276	-18%
Traffic	41,872	48,926	17%
Tactical	1,284	748	-42%
Total	113,898	136,043	19%

**Traffic Fatalities - 37% Decrease**
District	2007	2008	Diff.	% Chg.
Central	2	1	-1	-50%
Southern	4	1	-3	-75%
Bayview	7	5	-2	-29 %
Mission	5	2	-3	-60%
Northern	7	4	-3	-43%
Park	2	0	-2	-100%
Richmond	3	4	1	33%
Ingleside	1	4	3	300%
Taraval	9	4	-5	-56%
Tenderloin	1	1	0	0%
Total	41	26	-15	-37%

KVR

Citywide Crime Profile

2009-02-11T10:49:00.001-08:00

Part 1 Crimes Summary Through 2/2.*

Violent Crimes	YTD 2008	YTD 2009	% Chg
Homicide	13	6	-54%
Rape	14	20	42%
Robbery	385	260	-32%
Aggravated Assault	189	139	-26%
Property Crimes
Arson	15	22	47%
Burglary	493	329	-33%
Other Larceny	1,176	751	-36%
Auto Boosting	1,247	623	-50%
Motor Vehicle Theft	592	487	-18%
Violent Crimes Total	601	425	-29%
Property Crimes Total	3,523	2,212	-38%
Combined Total	4,124	2,637	-36%

*For both years, the above crime statistics are through 2/2, with the exception of Rape, which is through 1/31, and Homicide, which is through 2/9.

John Cote's Eternal Vigilance

2009-02-09T17:15:00.001-08:00

John Cote, of the Chronicle, has informed me that Friday’s public safety advisory, “The Price of Safety Is Eternal Vigilance,” may have been based on urban legend. Per Snopes, it's "Partly True."

We reported on two cases in which the perpetrators used the victim’s own technology to execute the crime. In one, someone's car is burglarized while they’re at a football game. The burglars steal the owner’s portable GPS unit and garage door remote. The burglars then use the GPS to navigate to “Home” (as stored in the device) and the garage remote to gain entry to the residence, which they subsequently burglarize. In the other, a woman’s handbag is stolen, including her cell phone. The thieve texts “Hubby” (as labeled in her contact list), asking to be reminded of their bank card’s PIN. Hubby responds with the PIN; the thieve pilfers the account.

Ever the naive soul, I had assumed this was just the usual cycle of life imitating HBO (The GPS scam was on Entourage, similarly to how our Community Safety Cameras were shot out a la "The Wire"). But both of these seem pretty imaginable scenarios. Indeed, the first is an upgrade on a low tech scam in which burglars snag residence information from the insurance paperwork in the glove box.

You’ll now have to excuse me while I wire some money to a Nigerian Prince.

KVR

SFPD Make Arrest in Gas Station Robbery

2009-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Police arrested one of two suspects in a recent armed gas station robbery. The robbery occurred on 1/25/09, on Junipero Serra Boulevard (Taraval District), at approximately 11:30 PM. The suspect is an Oakland resident.

SFPD inspectors identified the suspect within 72 hours and a $500,000 felony warrant was issued for his arrest. The suspect was located at a residence on Garfield Street, on 1/31/09. Police also located a handgun in the residence.

The second suspect remains at large. The detained suspect is charged with robbery and remains in custody.

Price of Safety is Eternal Vigilance

2009-02-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Teresa Barrett, Captain of Park Station, recently informed me on a couple quite clever scams, about which I now write.

Careful with Your GPS
Recently, a woman had her car broken into, while at a football game. Her car was parked adjacent to the stadium. The garage door remote and a GPS unit, which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard, were both stolen.

When the victims got home, she found that her house had been ransacked. Just about everything of value had been taken. It is believed that the perpetrators used the GPS to guide them to the house, and the remote to gain entry. It is reasonable to conclude that the perpetrators surmised that the homeowners were going to be occupied at the football game, and that they thus had a specific window of opportunity to commit the burglary.

It remains to be seen whether or not this will be a new trend which we must be concerned about. However, if you have a navigation system in your vehicle that identifies your home location, you may become a victim of this type of crime. One obvious way to avoid this is that if you’re going to put your home address in your navigation system, don’t identify it as “Home.” You might consider entering your local police station’s address into your system as “Home.”

Careful with Your Contact List
A woman recently had her handbag, including her mobile phone, stolen. Twenty minutes later, when she called her husband, to tell him what had happened, she was shocked to hear him state "I received your text asking about our PIN and I replied a little while ago." By the time they reached the bank, significant sums of money had already been withdrawn. The perpetrator had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'Hubby,' as identified in the contact list, and thereby gleaning the PIN.

Moral of the story: Disclosing the precise relationship between you and the people in your contact list comes with risk, as illustrated by this story. Obviously, there may be times when this information may be helpful to a stranger – as in the case of the emergency or accident. Therefore, it would be prudent to give some thought to how you maintain this information. Generally speaking, when sensitive information is being asked through a text message, you might want to confirm by calling back. You can also try putting the SFPD Fraud Unit’s telephone number (415) 553-1521 in as “Hubby.”

Remember, the price of safety is eternal vigilance.

KVR

Medal of Valor - Captain Daniel McDonagh

2009-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Officers Yukio Oshita, Scott Biggs, Kevin O’Leary and Daniel Kroos – the officers who responded to the tiger incident at the San Francisco Zoo – received Gold Medals of Valor before the Police Commission this past Wednesday. Theirs was an act of tremendous courage and I again offer the words of their Captain, Paul Chignell: “These officers responded with alacrity to a horrific event (and) risked their lives without qualification.”

Importantly, the Commission presented nine other medals of valor – for acts ranging from the intrepid pursuit of armed killers, to selflessly entering a burning building to save a life. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting on their extraordinairy stories. We’ll kick this off today, with Captain Daniel McDonough, commanding officer of Southern Station. The below is excerpted from Commander John Murphy's remarks at the ceremony.

The men and women of the San Francisco Police Department perform extraordinary acts every day. Whether they make it to the front pages of the Chronicle and Examiner or not, they deserve our recognition and thanks.

Captain Daniel McDonagh is being awarded the Silver Medal of Valor for his heroic acts following the shooting death of a young man at the Metreon Theater. On November 11, 2007, two young men were involved in a verbal altercation near the snack concession inside the theater complex. The suspect drew a semi-automatic pistol from his person and opened fire, striking the victim several times. During the ensuing chaos, the suspect made his escape.

Captain McDonagh, on-duty outside the Moscone Center, heard the radio broadcast regarding the shooting and immediately directed his attention to the Metreon. He saw an individual running toward him with a firearm in his left hand. Captain McDonagh immediately realized that he was about to confront the “shooter” from the Metreon Theater. He drew his firearm and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon.

The suspect began to lift his firearm toward Captain McDonagh. Due to the pandemonium nearby, there was still a large crowd of patrons exiting the Metreon. Captain McDonagh, full-knowing the danger he was in, opted not to shoot at the suspect. Seeing Captain McDonagh positioned at the ready, the suspect fled the area. Captain McDonagh broadcast that he was in foot pursuit of the armed suspect.

Unbeknownst to Captain McDonagh, the suspect discarded his firearm at the corner of Fourth and Mission. He then attempted to evade arrest by entering Bloomingdale’s and mingling with shoppers. Captain McDonagh continued his pursuit and made eye contact with the suspect, who subsequently bolted through the store. Plainclothes officers from Southern Station, responding to the emergency broadcast, captured the suspect as he burst out of the store exit – Captain McDonagh still in pursuit.

The victim died from the gunshot wounds inflicted by the suspect. The suspect was positively identified as the killer and his firearm was recovered nearby. The suspect subsequently confessed to killing the victim because, as he angrily asserted, the victim was too slow getting on the escalator inside the theater.

Captain McDonagh manifested outstanding bravery, full-knowing that he was confronting a gunman who had just opened fire in a crowded theater with wanton disregard for human life. For his actions, Captain McDonagh is being awarded the Silver Medal of Valor.

KVR

ShotSpotter Helps Make Arrests, Recover Firearms, at Western Addition Shooting

2009-02-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

While the below update is a few weeks old, I’d like to share it with you, as it illustrates the effectiveness of the ShotSpotter system. ShotSpotter near instantaneously alerts officers on incidents of gunfire, allowing them to arrive minutes faster than by way of citizen reporting (assuming that there is a corresponding 911 call). Because the system dramatically improves response time, it often allows officers, as in the below case, to make critical arrests and recover dangerous weapons. My office, as directed by the Mayor, and in cooperation with the Police Department and Board of Supervisors, has rolled out ShotSpotter in select sections of the Bayview, Western Addition and Mission. We continue to monitor the succesess of this program, with the hopes of expanding coverage to other parts of the city. Of note, ShotSpotter is part of a larger Technology-Informed Policing (TIP) iniative by the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. Critical to the success of this program to-date, has been the hard work and leadership of Lt. Mikail Ali, who serves as Senior Public Safety Advisor to both Mayor Newsom and my office.

1/08/09, 1:25PM - Police officers detained three suspects in a gang-related shooting at Golden Gate and Fillmore. The shooting occurred following a funeral service for a recent homicide victim. The suspects fired into the procession of mourners as they were leaving the funeral home. The suspects were San Francisco residents, male, ages 21, 21 and 20. The gunfire was immediately detected by the ShotSpotter system and nearby plainclothes units, comprised of members of both Northern Station and Gang Task Force, quickly apprehended the suspects. No one was struck by the gunfire. Police recovered a Tech 9 assault weapon.

KVR

Sex Offender Awareness

2009-02-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

The following two arrests illustrate a very real concern – not only here in San Francisco, but across California. There are, according to the Police Department, some 1,143 registered sex offenders within the City and County of San Francisco. Many of these individuals, having completed their sentences, are not under the supervision of either the California Department of Corrections or the Adult Probation Department. According to the Department of Corrections, there are more than 63,000 persons required to be registered as sex offenders in California. If you would like more information on this topic, please see the Department of Justice's Megan’s Law homepage and/or all relevant sections of California Penal Code Section 290, otherwise known as the Sex Offender Registration Act.

To be clear, Megan’s Law is not intended to punish the offender and specifically prohibits using the information to harass or commit any crime against an offender.

Northern Station Station - Captain Croce Casciato
2/02/09, 1:30 PM - Officers Lee and Cheung were dispatched to Lombard and Van Ness, to check on the welfare of an individual who had apparently passed out. The officers located and contacted the subject, who they determined to be under the influence of alcohol. When the officers ran a computer check on the subject, they discovered that he had failed to register as a sex offender. The subject was arrested.

2/02/09, 7:45 PM - Officers from Northern Station’s Street Crimes Unit, in the area of Hayes Valley North, heard a subject arguing with a woman. They subsequently observed the woman attempt to shut a door. The officers detained the subject, who appeared to be intoxicated, and whose clothing smelled like marijuana. The subject told the officers he had marijuana in his pocket and during a subsequent search, the officers located the marijuana, as well as suspected cocaine. After being arrested, the subject was transported to the station, where the officers used a mug shot machine to positively identify him (he had given a false name). The officers discovered that the man had a “No Bail" warrant for his arrest. They also discovered that he was on active Federal probation and had failed to update his status and location as a sex registrant.

Broken Windows?

2009-02-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Broken Windows theory states that focusing on ‘low-level’ crime (disorderly behavior) can directly impact more serious and violent crime. Take the below example:

Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it's unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside.

Intervening early in the cycle can prevent more serious crimes. While some dispute Broken Windows, many, such as Chief Bratton (Los Angeles) and Commissioner Kelly (New York), remain strong proponents. Their policing strategies reflect this. In particular, I’d like to draw your attention to Commissioner Kelly’s recent editorial in the New York Post:

Crime in New York began to fall under Mayor David Dinkins and continued to drop under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani - to the point that in 2002 many thought it had nowhere to go but up. Instead, under Mayor Bloomberg, new record lows were posted, year after year: Crime fell nearly 30 percent from 2001 to 2008, while quality of life improved (…)
How did it happen? The NYPD focused on low-level crime as never before. It deployed officers in large, concentrated numbers in precisely-defined zones where spikes in violent crime occurred.

Like any strategy, Broken Windows isn’t a stand-alone panacea. It’s meant to be used in coordination with other proven and effective strategies, such as CompStat, Community Policing and effective social service delivery (i.e. the CJC, modeled after New York's Red Hook Community Justice Center).

But it can be successful. We need look no further than our own Tenderloin. Just last week, in the Examiner, Captain Gary Jimenez explained how, along with community policing, increased policing presence and quality-of-life enforcement has been critical to reducing violence in the Tenderloin:

Murders dropped from nine in 2007 to four last year. Robbery dropped 9 percent, and aggravated assault plummeted nearly 14 percent (…)

Jimenez also attributed some of the success to the citywide “zone” strategy, where the police presence is concentrated in San Francisco’s most violent neighborhood. Tenderloin officers have also cracked down on quality-of-life offenses, increasing their narcotics arrests by 22 percent from 2007 to 2008 and disorderly conduct arrests by nearly 184 percent.

I, for one, believe that Broken Windows can be an effective strategy. But what's better than fixing broken windows is working together to prevent them from being broken in the first place. Indeed, not having to fix them should be the measure of success to which we aspire.

-Kev.

Neighborhood Emergency Response Training

2009-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

NERT is a free training program for individuals, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations in San Francisco. Through this program, offered by the Fire Department, individuals will learn the basics of personal preparedness and prevention. The training also includes hands-on disaster skills that will help individuals respond to a personal emergency, as well as act as members of a neighborhood response team.

Armed Robbery of Gas Station

2009-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Bayview Station Update - Captain John Loftus
1/27/09, 6:17 PM - Officers McArthur and Borgen responded to a call for service involving an armed robbery at a local gas station. The victim, an employee, stated that there were two suspects, and that they had forced him into the garage, threatening to shoot him, prior to emptying the register and fleeing the scene. The victim provided a detailed description of the suspects, which was broadcast to those officers saturating the area. Sergeant Hagan and Officers Lyons, Kirchner and Coleman, all members of Bayview Station’s Cease-Fire Team, located the suspects, who matched the employee's description, and who were subsequently identified by the employee as the perpetrators. Further investigation determined that the two had been arrested previously for possession of a firearm, stemming from a 2008 incident.

SFPD Officers to Receive Medal of Valor at Police Commision Hearing on February 4

2009-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

On March 18, 2008, in a public ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Newsom commended the men and women of the SFPD and SFFD for their courageous response, on Christmas Eve, 2007, to the tragedy at the San Francisco Zoo. If you recall, a Siberian tiger escaped from its enclosure, killing one man and severely mauling another. As their commanding Captain stated, shortly after the incident, “These officers responded with alacrity to a horrific event (and) risked their lives without qualification.”

SFPD Officers Yukio Oshita, Scott Biggs, Kevin O’Leary and Daniel Kroos are being awarded medals of valor before the Police Commission on February 4. I invite you all to attend.

Here is a summary of the events that occured at the Zoo on the evening of December 25, 2007.

On December 25, 2007, at 5:08 PM, the SFPD was notified that a tiger had escaped from its enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo, that a person was injured and bleeding, and, consequently, that the Zoo had been "locked down." Officers Daniel Kroos, Kevin O’Leary, Yukio Oshita, and Scott Biggs responded. They were informed that there could be more than one tiger on the loose. The officers were operating at dusk, in a dimly lit area, and in an environment of general pandemonium.

As paramedics arrived at the Zoo and Lieutenant Michael Favetti took command, Officers Biggs and Oshita encountered a Zoo employee and were shown a man, prone and lifeless, near the tiger exhibit. The victim was bleeding profusely from the neck area and had obviously been mauled by an escaped tiger. The officers were joined by a number of emergency medical personnel and an armed Zoo employee. They were then informed that a tiger had been spotted 100 ft. to the northeast and that there was another victim at the Terrace Café.

Officers Biggs and Oshita led the caravan of paramedics and the Zoo employee to the Terrace Café, where they located the second victim, lying on the ground and bleeding throughout his upper body and head. Next to the victim was an escaped 350 pound Siberian tiger. The victim was crying “Help me, help me.” The officers were 35 yards from the victim and tiger. Officers Daniel Kroos and Kevin O’Leary, who had entered the Zoo from a different entrance, and had been evacuating employees, then arrived on scene in their patrol vehicle.

The tiger looked directly at Officers Oshita and Biggs, then looked at Officers O’Leary and Kroos, and then again looked at Oshita and Biggs, before pouncing on the victim and savagely mauling him about the head. The victim screamed horrifically, whereupon the Zoo employee started yelling, “Kill the tiger, kill the tiger, Oh God kill the tiger.” Officers Biggs and Oshita, much closer to the tiger than the rest, screamed and yelled, trying to distract the tiger. The officers could not fire their weapons at the tiger for fear that the victim would be struck by gunfire.

The tiger stopped its attack, then moved in the direction of Officers Oshita and Biggs, before directing all of its attention at Officer Oshita. The tiger began to advance, in a hastened lope, from a distance of 35 yards. When the tiger got within 20 yards of Officer Oshita, he fired three times, striking the tiger, though it kept advancing. Officer Daniel Kroos, from a distance of 30 yards, but at a different vantage point, fired nine rounds, and Officer Kevin O’Leary, who was near Officer Kroos, fired two more. The tiger had obviously been hit, but continued advancing. Officer Oshita jumped into his radio car and fired two more rounds from inside the vehicle, at which point the tiger veered away from the radio car and fell to the ground. The time was 5:27 PM.

YTD Part 1 Crimes Summary Showing Positive Trends

2009-01-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

As presented at today's BOS Public Safety Committee hearing, year-to-date, there have been strong decreases in Homicides, Robberies, Aggravated Assaults, Burglaries, Auto Boostings, Other Larcenies and Motor Vehicle Thefts. Not reflected in the below chart, there were two additional homicides since this reporting period, raising 2009's homicide total to 4. (Please also note that the reporting period for Rape and Robbery is through 1/15, for both years, and that the 2008 homicide count is through 1/17, not 1/19.)

While we can't extrapolate meaningfully significant results from such early trends, these reductions nonetheless serve as an accurate snapshot of where we are, thus far in 2009, and hence inform us on the effectivness of present deployment strategies.

**Part 1 Crimes Summary Through 1/17/09**
Offense	1/1/08 - 1/19/08	1/1/09 - 1/17/09	Total Difference	% Chg
Homicide	6	2	-4	-66%
Rape	6	8	2	33
Robbery	158	125	-33	-21%
Aggravated Assault	121	78	-43	-35%
Burglary	307	174	-133	-43%
Auto Boosting	793	367	-426	-53%
Other Larceny	730	331	-399	-54%
Motor Vehicle Theft	356	260	-96	-26%
Arson	13	15	2	15%
Total	2,490	1,360	-1,130	-45%

Community Policing and Zone Strategy Driving Successes in Tenderloin

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Examiner reported today on how a combination of increased community engagement and the targeted deployment of resources has succeeded in both solving and reducing crime in the Tenderloin.

Murders dropped from nine in 2007 to four last year. Robbery dropped 9 percent, and aggravated assault plummeted nearly 14 percent (…)

Tenderloin Police Station Capt. Gary Jimenez, who briefed neighborhood residents and The City’s Police Commission last week, said each of the murders were solved because of the focus on community policing. While entire neighborhoods in San Francisco have been intimidated into silence, Tenderloin residents feel more comfortable sharing information with police because they know and trust them (…)

Jimenez also attributed some of the success to the citywide “zone” strategy, where the police presence is concentrated in San Francisco’s most violent neighborhood. Tenderloin officers have also cracked down on quality-of-life offenses, increasing their narcotics arrests by 22 percent from 2007 to 2008 and disorderly conduct arrests by nearly 184 percent.

Arrests Made in Noe Valley Attempted Robbery

2009-01-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ingleside Station Update - Captain Denis O’Leary
1/22/09, 8:15 pm - A Noe Valley man was surrounded by three male teenagers who demanded his backpack. He refused to comply and one of the teens produced a handgun and threatened him. One of the teens then punched the man in the face, at which point he ran from them. The suspects fled empty-handed and the police were called. While Officer Androvich interviewed the victim, the man pointed out the suspects as they passed by inside a MUNI LRV. Sergeant Kim, assisted by other officers, stopped the train and detained the four suspects. A replica handgun was found near one of them. The victim identified the suspects as his assailants and three of the four were arrested for attempted robbery. The three alleged perpetrators were aged 16, 15 and 15. All three were turned over to probation officers at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Honorable Mention

2009-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

U.S. Attorney Turned Blogger - SF Chronicle City Insider
"From prostitution arrests in the Sunset District to developments on those Porta Potti torchings, a new San Francisco Blogger is keeping us updated on the city's crime news. The man behind the computer? Former U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan (...)"

Forequizzed, Forearmed

2009-01-23T13:45:00.001-08:00

I just came back from the City's Disaster Council meeting, where the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) gave an impressive presentation on earthquake preparedness. I encourage everyone to find out how earthquake-prepared they are by visiting QuakeQuizSF.org. Users are guided through a series of scenarios and quizzed on the appropriate reaction in the event of an earthquake.

Significant Decreases in Non-Fatal Shootings

2009-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I blogged on a 21% increase in gun seizures. Following up on this, and in advance of Monday’s BOS Public Safety Committee Hearing, I’d like to share another series of positive statistics.

City-wide, comparing 2008 and 2007, non-fatal shootings fell an impressive 36%. Mirroring and driving this, within the five geographically-defined Violence Reduction Zones, non-fatal shootings fell 33% (broken down by Zone below).

These reductions can be traced, in large part, to a determined focus on those discrete geographic areas in which statistical analyses – and practical experience – inform us that a disproportionate amount of crime occurs. By focusing resources and relying on smart and responsive deployment strategies, the Police Department has been able to maintain downward pressure on non-fatal shootings – not only within the Zones but across the City.

While some areas are still presenting a challenge, these are positive trends. They are the clear and quantifiable product of the dedication and responsiveness of the men and women of the SFPD. We should commend them for their efforts. It’s also important to note that while the Police Department played a large part in this, other stakeholders – community-based organizations, business owners, civic organizations – were as well key and deserve recognition.

**Decreases in Non-Fatal Shootings by Zone**
Zone	Area	% Chg
1	Tenderloin	-48%
2	Western Addition	-72%
3	Mission	-25%
4	Bayview (3 parts)	+2%
5	Sunnydale/Ingleside	-38%
	All Zones	-33%
	City-wide	-36%

SFPD Vice Crimes Division Busts “Health Club” in Taraval for Alleged Solicitation of Prostitution

2009-01-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
We have been receiving numerous complaints from local residents, community organization leaders and elected officials about prostitution activity at a "health" club at a certain location in the Taraval. We previously worked with the Vice Crimes Division, in an operation in which an officer was allegedly solicited for an act of prostitution at that location. At our request, Vice Crimes went to the establishment again this afternoon, and another solicitation arrest was made. We are committed to responding to your concerns about houses of prostitution in our neighborhoods.

New Supervisor Committee Assignments

2009-01-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

Board of Supervisors Committee assignments were released today and I’d like to congratulate Supervisor David Campos on his new chairmanship of the Public Safety Committee. I look forward to working with him. I'd also like to thank Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, who previously served as Chair, for his leadership, and to congratulate him on his new chairmanship of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee. Supervisor Mirkarimi will as well be remaining on the Public Safety Committee as Vice-Chair and I look forward to continuing to work with him.

Also departing the Public Safety Committee are Supervisors Bevan Dufty (now Chair of City Operation and Neighborhood Services) and Sophie Maxwell (now Chair of Land Use and Economic Development). We've had both informative conversations and spirited debates – with the occasional painful inquisition mixed in there! I wish them well in their new assignments and welcome aboard Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier.

Over the last year, I’ve worked with the Supervisors to ensure that the Committee – and hence, also the public – received the most up-to-date and comprehensive crime statistics possible. At the core of this effort, has been the hard work of the officers of the SFPD. In particular, I’d like to thank Captain John Goldberg (formerly Captain of the Homicide Division of the Investigations Bureau and now a Captain at Tactical), as well as the SFPD’s Crime Analysis Unit and Planning Division.

This has been a true team effort and I’m very proud of it. The Committee is in as strong and informed a position as ever. I look forward to building on these successes and encourage all to either attend its hearings (schedule available here) or watch its proceedings on SFGTV.

Pedestrian Sting – 18 Drivers Cited

2009-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
Taraval Station officers conducted a pedestrian "Sting" at Constanso and Sloat this morning. Eighteen (18) drivers were cited for failing to yield to pedestrians.

SFPD Meeting Aggressive Gun Seizure Goals

2009-01-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

We should commend the hardworking members of the SFPD, who seized 13% more illegal firearms in 2008 (1228) than in 2007 (1097).

In June 2008, Mayor Newsom and Chief Fong set a goal of increasing illegal firearms seizures by 25% for the following year. Between June and December 2008, the men and women of the SFPD increased seizures by a remarkable 21% – 780 in 2008, compared to 646 in 2007.

Taking guns out of the hands of criminals is one of the most dangerous endeavors facing our officers. We should all recognize their courage and diligence and thank them for a job well done.

**City-wide Gun Seizures**
Period	2007	2008	% Chg
Jun 1 – Dec 31	646	780	+21%
Jan 1 – Dec 31	1097	1228	+13%

Recent Crime Trends – North Beach & Chinatown

2009-01-20T08:00:00.001-08:00

Central Station Update - Captain James Dudley
Graffiti vandals have scarred North Beach and Chinatown as of late. Please call 911 if you see acts of graffiti or other vandalism in progress. Use 311 to flag it for cleanup. There are rewards available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals – call 415-575-4444.

Abandoned Christmas trees can be attractive to fire bugs. Please call 311 to report any trees left on the sidewalk or street in your neighborhood.

Portable toilets have been the target of arsonists, especially on the Russian Hill border between the Central and Northern Districts. Most have occurred between midnight and 6AM. Strategies have been deployed by both Districts, as well as by the SFPD’s Arson Task Force and SFFD Inspectors. Be aware of individuals carrying newspapers, cardboard or other materials. Please call 911 if you see anyone loitering near these structures after midnight. The crime only takes minutes to carry out and an immediate response is critical to catching those responsible.

Welcome to Our Public Safety Blog

2009-01-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

As Mayor Gavin Newsom's Criminal Justice Director and Deputy Chief of Staff, I'd like to welcome you to our new Public Safety Blog.

Moving forward, I'll be reaching out to other members of our public safety community in order to expand the scope of information available for you on this blog. This will include such things as earthquake preparedness tips, updates on key Mayoral public safety initiatives and other general public service advisories.

Stay posted – and stay safe,

Kevin V. Ryan

Gas Station Robbery Suspect Captured in Unrelated Traffic Stop

2008-12-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
11/29/08, 5:50 AM - A man walked up to the service counter of the Shell Gas Station at 19th and Taraval with a white plastic bag over his head. The man produced a gun from his waistband and demanded money. The employee complied and got down on the ground as ordered by the gunman. The suspect fled the premises but the employee followed him and saw that he got into a black car heading south on 19th Avenue. Officers Allan Wong and Adrian Payne stopped a black car for violating a stop sign rule at 20th and Vicente seconds later but before the robbery broadcast came over the police radio. As they were about to cite the driver for the stop sign violation, they heard the broadcast and took the suspect out of the vehicle at gunpoint. In the vehicle was the plastic bag, money from the station and a gun. The victim positively identified the suspect as the robber. The suspect was arrested for burglary, robbery, false imprisonment and, of course, a stop sign violation.

Officers Intervene to Stop Domestic Violence

2008-12-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

Taraval Station Update - Captain Paul Chignell
11/26/08, 8:02 PM - Officers Justin Wong and Rolando Escobar went to an address on 21st Avenue, where a man had previously beaten and threatened to kill his girlfriend. The officers arrested the suspect for threats, domestic violence and a probation violation.

11/26/08, 10:15 PM - Officers Wayne Wong and Jeffrey Fortuno went to an address on 47th Avenue, where a man had broken into the house and threatened to kill his sister. Apparently the suspect, who lives on the first block of 5th street, had seriously injured the sister previously in New York and had served time in prison for the attack. The officers arrested the suspect for criminal threats and burglary.

Tenderloin Station Update: Cameras Key to Nabbing Homicide Suspect

2008-11-13T16:05:00.001-08:00

Update from Tenderloin Station - Captain Gary Jimenez
Many of our neighbors have heard about the man who was killed on Wednesday morning at 2 AM, at the intersection of Taylor and Turk. What many do not know is that the suspects’ descriptions were limited until two of your Day Watch Foot Beat officers came to work, and hearing of the incident at their lineup, went out to develop a more complete description, including the possible identity of the culprits. Within hours, the Officers located those believed to be responsible for this act and made the arrests. The alleged perpetrators are in custody and face a prosecution where the city cameras at this intersection will be the indisputable witness to what occurred.