Tag: police

San Francisco’s Criminal Justice System: A Balancing Act with Limited Resources and the Mayor’s Funding Failure

San Francisco’s criminal justice system is grappling with a multifaceted crisis, characterized by a significant imbalance in resource allocation, challenges in monitoring pretrial diversion and electronic monitoring, and the persistent issue of outstanding warrants. A critical element that exacerbates this problem is the Mayor’s apparent failure to adequately fund the Sheriff’s Office, which is tasked with managing these critical aspects of the criminal justice system. This article delves deeper into these issues, highlighting the impacts of inadequate funding on the functioning of the system.

A Strain on Sheriff’s Office Resources

San Francisco’s Sheriff’s Office plays a pivotal role in overseeing pretrial diversion programs, electronic monitoring, and the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants. However, the Sheriff’s Office has been grappling with resource shortages that severely hamper its effectiveness.

Electronic Monitoring Oversight

Perhaps one of the most glaring issues is the overwhelming caseload faced by a mere one to two deputy sheriffs per shift responsible for monitoring 500 individuals on electronic ankle monitoring. This stark imbalance between the number of offenders and the personnel assigned to oversee them has several consequences:

  1. Inadequate supervision: The limited number of personnel makes it exceedingly difficult to ensure effective supervision and compliance with the terms of electronic monitoring. This raises concerns about the potential for offenders to exploit these conditions or reoffend without proper oversight.
  2. Rehabilitation and reintegration: The objective of electronic monitoring programs, which is to support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society, becomes questionable when the sheer caseload makes individualized attention and support nearly impossible.

The Overburdened Warrants Service Unit

The Warrants Service Unit, tasked with actively seeking out and apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants, operates with just five deputies. The implications of this understaffing are far-reaching:

  1. Limited apprehension capacity: With a minimal workforce, the unit struggles to locate and arrest individuals with outstanding warrants in a timely manner. This undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
  2. Accumulating warrants: The challenges faced by the Warrants Service Unit contribute to the mounting number of outstanding warrants, leaving many individuals unaccounted for and the public at risk.

Mayor’s Failure to Fund

2023 San Francisco budget

It is imperative to address the core issue: the Mayor’s apparent failure to allocate adequate funding to the Sheriff’s Office. This funding deficiency exacerbates the problems within the criminal justice system, resulting in an imbalanced workload for deputies, an ever-increasing number of outstanding warrants, and the erosion of public trust.

The implications of this funding shortfall are clear:

  1. Reduced public safety: Inadequate funding of the Sheriff’s Office directly impacts the safety of San Francisco’s residents. Insufficient resources hinder the effective supervision and apprehension of offenders.
  2. Strain on law enforcement: Deputies are faced with insurmountable caseloads, making it nearly impossible for them to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This, in turn, affects the quality of rehabilitation programs and the timely apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants.

San Francisco’s criminal justice system grapples with severe challenges, primarily due to the lack of funding for the Sheriff’s Office. The Mayor’s failure to address this issue has far-reaching consequences, leading to imbalanced workloads, a growing number of outstanding warrants, and a loss of public trust. Addressing this problem requires a fundamental reevaluation of resource allocation and a commitment to bolstering the Sheriff’s Office’s capabilities. It is crucial to bridge this funding gap to ensure that the criminal justice system can meet its core objectives while safeguarding the interests of the community.

Ensuring Public Safety: The Vital Need for Armed Peace Officers in the Medical Examiner’s Office

SF Medical Examiner Investigator In recent times, the role of peace officers within the Medical Examiner’s Office has come under scrutiny. The issue at hand revolves around the authorization for these peace officers to carry firearms on duty. Our union, recognizing the potential risks and the impact on public safety, initiated a letter correspondence with the Medical Examiner’s Office. This article delves into the critical importance of arming these peace officers and highlights our recent response to address the matter.

The Medical Examiner’s Office plays a crucial role in investigating deaths and providing critical insights into the causes. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these investigations often take place in challenging environments, including high crime areas. The presence of peace officers within the Medical Examiner’s Office is not a mere formality; it serves as a vital component in ensuring the safety of all involved.

Our Initial Request: Recognizing the potential dangers faced by Medical Examiner Investigators, our union penned a letter to the Medical Examiner’s Office, urging them to authorize peace officers to carry firearms on duty. We highlighted the detrimental impact of disallowing these peace officers from being armed and emphasized the negative implications on public safety. It was our firm belief that by granting them the ability to carry firearms, we could enhance their capacity to respond to emergencies, protect themselves, and effectively fulfill their responsibilities.

The Medical Examiner Office’s Response: In their response, the Medical Examiner’s Office downplayed the peace officerCA Peace Officer Standards and Training designation within their agency and did not even acknowledge that they have California Peace Officer Standard of Training Certification, emphasizing their civilian-led approach. While we appreciate their perspective, it is crucial to recognize that peace officers play a pivotal role in enforcing laws, protecting the public, and responding to emergencies. Dismissing their authority and the need for them to be armed undermines their effectiveness and compromises the safety of both the investigators and the communities they serve.

In our recent response to the Medical Examiner’s Office, we reiterated the criticality of authorizing peace officers within the Medical Examiner’s Office to carry firearms on duty. We emphasized that this decision was not a form of defunding police power but rather a proactive measure to enhance public safety. By enabling our Medical Examiner Investigators to be armed, we ensure they have the means to protect themselves, others, and intervene in potentially dangerous situations. Moreover, it alleviates the burden on local law enforcement agencies, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently.

The ongoing dialogue between our union and the Medical Examiner’s Office highlights the pressing need to address the issue of arming peace officers within the Medical Examiner’s Office. It is vital to recognize that public safety should always remain a top priority. By granting peace officers the ability to carry firearms, we can ensure the safety of our investigators and enhance their effectiveness in responding to emergencies. It is our hope that the Medical Examiner’s Office will reevaluate their stance and take decisive action that aligns with the shared commitment to public safety.

Together, let us work towards a safer future, where peace officers in the Medical Examiner’s Office can perform their duties without compromising their safety or the safety of the public they serve.

Ken Lomba
President, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
Representing the OCME Investigators
(415) 696-2428

 

San Francisco’s Soft-on-Crime Disaster: Operant Conditioning Fuels a Breeding Ground for Criminals

San Francisco Soft on Crime

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The abysmal state of San Francisco’s criminal justice system has reached a boiling point, as its leniency towards offenders who violate the conditions of their electronic monitoring and the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project is exposed. This shocking revelation exposes a broken system driven by the misguided principles of operant conditioning, inadvertently nurturing a breeding ground for criminals. Today, we uncover the harrowing consequences of operant conditioning and demand an immediate and radical overhaul of the city’s failing approach.

Operant Conditioning: Electronic Monitoring and Violations

San Francisco’s criminal justice system has become a haven for criminal activity due to its nonsensical handling of inmates on home detention by electronic monitoring. Instead of facing the full weight of their actions, violators are shamefully granted multiple chances and reinstated on electronic monitoring. This revolving door of leniency perpetuates a dangerous cycle of wrong behavior, effectively rewarding offenders for their transgressions. The result? A community plagued by escalating crime rates and a complete erosion of accountability and deterrence.

Operant Conditioning: San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project

The San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project has devolved into an utter farce, fueled by operant conditioning gone awry. Offenders placed on project own recognizance who repeatedly violate the terms are granted chance after chance, creating an environment where criminal behavior thrives. By indulging in this unfathomable leniency, the system inadvertently breeds a culture of impunity, where offenders learn that there are no real consequences for their actions. This betrayal of justice undermines the very fabric of our society and endangers the safety of law-abiding citizens.

The Reinforcement of Criminal Behavior

San Francisco’s woefully lenient criminal justice system, driven by the dangerous principles of operant conditioning, is single-handedly responsible for the surge in criminal activity. By allowing offenders to evade incarceration and doling out feeble consequences for their violations, the system effectively nurtures a generation of criminals. It sends a chilling message that criminal behavior goes unpunished, perpetuating a cycle of lawlessness and emboldening wrongdoers. The consequences are dire: innocent lives shattered, neighborhoods gripped by fear, and a city held hostage by its own failed policies.

The Urgent Need for Drastic Change

The time for half-hearted measures and empty promises is over. San Francisco’s criminal justice system demands a seismic shift towards accountability and decisive action. It is imperative that city officials, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders come together with unwavering determination to enact sweeping reforms. This includes implementing stringent consequences that strike fear into the hearts of criminals, dismantling the perverse incentives created by operant conditioning, and restoring the bedrock principles of justice and public safety.

Rebuilding San Francisco’s Future

The catastrophic consequences of San Francisco’s soft-on-crime disaster demand an immediate response. It is time to cast aside failed ideologies and embrace a bold, new vision for the city’s criminal justice system. By rejecting the flawed principles of operant conditioning and embracing a tough stance on crime, San Francisco can reclaim its reputation as a safe and thriving community. It is a pivotal moment, requiring courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to restore law and order.

Media Contact:

Ken Lomba
President
San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
415-696-2428

San Francisco’s Escalating Crime Rates Linked to Misguided Jail Population Control

PRESS RELEASE

 

London BreedThe alarming increase in crime rates throughout San Francisco can be directly attributed to Mayor London Breed’s misguided ideology of manipulating the jail population, resulting in a concerning number of bed vacancies. Recent revelations shed light on the concerning consequences of this flawed approach and the urgent need for change.
 
Despite the prevalence of crime in the city, San Francisco’s jails continue to exhibit a puzzling pattern of bed vacancies. On average, the jail population is being manipulated to maintain an artificially low average of 800 inmates per day, while a staggering 400 beds remain vacant. This raises serious questions about the city’s commitment to holding criminals accountable and ensuring public safety.
 
In light of the escalating crime rates, it is only reasonable to expect that the jails would be at full capacity. However, the deliberate manipulation of the jail population by Mayor London Breed’s administration demonstrates a disregard for the safety and well-being of San Francisco’s residents. The empty beds stand as a stark reminder of the failure to enforce consequences for criminal behavior.
 
San Francisco is facing a crisis that demands decisive action. The prioritization of reducing incarceration has resulted in a system that fails to provide adequate deterrence for criminals. This flawed approach not only undermines public safety but also sends a message that criminal activity will go unpunished.
 
The safety and security of the community should never be compromised in the pursuit of misguided ideologies. Mayor London Breed and city officials must recognize the urgent need for change and reassess their strategies. It is imperative to prioritize the protection of law-abiding citizens, restore accountability in the criminal justice system, and ensure that the jails serve their intended purpose of detaining those who pose a threat to society.
 
San Francisco deserves leadership that upholds the principles of justice, prioritizes public safety, and addresses the concerns of the community. It is time for Mayor London Breed and her administration to take immediate action to rectify the shortcomings in the management of the jail population and restore confidence in the city’s commitment to combating crime.

 
Media Contact:

Ken Lomba
President
San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
415-696-2428

Mayor Breed’s budget worsens the unconstitutional conditions of San Francisco County Jails

PRESS RELEASE

Mayor Breed’s budget – released yesterday –worsens the unconstitutional conditions of San Francisco County Jails at San Bruno and at 7th Street for inmates’; conditions which cause long term chronic illness, and increases the lack of safety for both inmates and deputies. The City is currently being sued for these unconstitutional conditions. Both the San Bruno Jail (County Jail 3) and the 7th Street Jail (County Jail 2) are in violation of Building Code, Title 24, and cannot meet California Regulations. Staffing is already woefully short, forcing the jail to regularly lockdown all prisoners, denying inmates out of cell time, and creating in essence solitary confinement. This is all unconstitutional. Recently the Mayor denied a longevity proposal that would retain needed deputies that are now going to retire but gave longevity incentives to Police and Fire. Yet, Mayor Breed’s budget cuts another 3% off the Sheriff’s budget, while increasing the police budget by 9%. The increase in police hiring is to encourage new arrests. New arrests will increase the inmate population and any increased inmate population will only make the unconstitutional conditions at County Jails worse.

Right now, we have inmates who have been incarcerated for years. At least 60 inmates have been incarcerated for over 4 years. These jails have no outdoor facilities, and so all inmates are housed 24/7 under fluorescent lights. With lockdowns, inmates are forced inside their cell without exercise, without showers, without meaningful human interaction and contact, at times for 24 hours or more. Studies show that forced isolation is one of the worst things that can happen to inmates. Stressed out and mentally ill inmates are a danger to themselves and to deputies.

The lawsuit, Norbert v. CCSF , 3:19-cv-02724 is set for trial on August 8, 2023. San Francisco has no defense for why our jails violate the building code. And the plaintiffs in Norbert claim that denying human beings – long term – outdoor sunlight causes chronic illness, including diabetes. One of the plaintiffs, M. Brackens has developed diabetes while incarcerated in San Francisco County Jail.

The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association wants to do our job, and do it in a way that treats inmates humanely. The Sheriff’s Department Mission Statement says that the Sheriff is committed to the “constitutional detention” of inmates. The Mayor needs to allocate enough funding so that all inmates receive constitutional conditions of confinement.

We were forced to close 850 Bryant Street because it was so dilapidated that there were regular raw sewage spills in jail cells. That cost the City $2.1 million in a lawsuit.

San Francisco needs to provide jails that meet all building code and constitutional standards. And the Sheriff’s Department cannot do so, if the Mayor keeps cutting the Sheriff’s budget so there’s not enough staffing, and sufficient capital investment in the jails themselves so that the jails meet constitutional standards.

Ken Lomba
President
San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
415-696-2428

High Crime in San Francisco and the Benefits of Owning a Protection Dog

San Francisco, like many other cities, faces the challenge of crime in certain neighborhoods. In such areas, residents often seek ways to enhance their security measures and protect their homes and families. One effective option is owning a protection dog, which can serve as a deterrent to intruders and provide a sense of safety. In this article, we will explore the high crime rate in San Francisco and discuss the benefits of owning a protection dog. Additionally, we will highlight some of the best breeds of dogs that are commonly used as protection dogs.

Protection Dogs

High Crime in San Francisco: San Francisco has faced challenges with crime, particularly property crime, in certain neighborhoods. According to recent data from the San Francisco Police Department, there has been an increase in crimes such as burglary, theft, and auto theft in some areas of the city. These incidents can cause residents to feel vulnerable and anxious about the safety of their homes and families.

Benefits of Owning a Protection Dog: Owning a protection dog can offer several benefits, especially in high-crime areas like San Francisco. Here are some advantages of having a protection dog:

  1. Enhanced Security: A well-trained protection dog can serve as a visible deterrent to potential intruders. The presence of a protection dog can deter criminals from attempting to break into a property, as they are less likely to risk encountering a trained and vigilant dog.
  2. Effective Crime Prevention: Protection dogs are trained to alert their owners to potential threats, such as intruders or suspicious activity. Their keen senses, such as heightened hearing and scent detection, can help prevent crimes from occurring or escalating.
  3. Companionship: In addition to providing security, protection dogs can also be loving and loyal companions. They can offer companionship and emotional support to their owners, which can be particularly comforting in high-crime areas where residents may feel anxious or unsafe.
  4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a trained protection dog can provide peace of mind for homeowners and their families. Protection dogs can provide a sense of security, knowing that they are trained to protect their home and loved ones.

Best Breeds of Dogs for Protection: Not all dog breeds are suitable for protection work, as temperament, size, and behavior traits vary among different breeds. Here are some of the best breeds of dogs commonly used as protection dogs:

  1. German Shepherd: German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, versatility, and loyalty. They are often used as police and military dogs due to their ability to be trained for various tasks, including protection work.
  2. Belgian Malinois: Belgian Malinois are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that excel in protection work. They are known for their speed, agility, and strong work ethic, and are often used in police and military roles.
  3. Doberman Pinscher: Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They are intelligent and trainable, with a natural ability to guard their home and family.
  4. Rottweiler: Rottweilers are powerful and protective dogs that have a natural instinct to guard their family and territory. They are known for their strength and courage, making them effective protection dogs.
  5. Boxer: Boxers are strong and athletic dogs that can excel in protection work. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.
  6. Great Dane: While not as common as some of the other breeds on this list, Great Danes can also make excellent protection dogs. Despite their large size, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but can also be protective when needed.

Protection DogIt’s important to note that while these breeds are commonly used as protection dogs, not all individual dogs of these breeds may possess the necessary temperament, training, and behavior traits to excel in protection work. Proper training and socialization from a young age are crucial to ensure that a protection dog is well-behaved, obedient, and capable of handling potential threats in a controlled manner.

Conclusion: In high-crime areas like San Francisco, owning a protection dog can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind for homeowners and their families. The presence of a well-trained protection dog can deter intruders, prevent crimes, and offer companionship and emotional support. However, it’s important to carefully consider the responsibilities and requirements of owning a protection dog, including proper training, socialization, and ongoing care.

If you’re interested in owning a protection dog, it’s recommended to work with a reputable breeder or professional dog trainer who specializes in protection dogs. They can help you choose the right breed and individual dog that fits your specific needs and lifestyle, and provide guidance on training and care.

Remember that owning a protection dog is a significant commitment, and it’s important to be prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. However, for those who are willing to invest the time, effort, and resources into proper training and care, a well-trained protection dog can offer invaluable benefits in enhancing home security and providing peace of mind in high-crime areas.

Open Letter to SFO Director Ivar Satero

Dear Director Ivar Satero,

I am writing to you regarding the staffing of police officers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). As you may be aware, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is currently short-staffed, which means that there are fewer officers available to patrol the city and the airport. This has resulted in a flawed system where SFPD staffing at SFO is dependent on the staffing levels of police officers in the city. This has resulted in a situation where the airport is not receiving the level of police coverage it requires, which can compromise public safety.

It is clear that the current system is not working, and I would like to propose a solution that I believe will be more effective. I suggest that the airport should be patrolled by a combination of SFPD officers and San Francisco Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriffs. This would provide a more stable and reliable source of police coverage at the airport, as it would not be dependent on the staffing levels of the SFPD in the city.

To be specific, I propose that the airport be staffed 50% by SFPD officers and 50% by SFSO deputy sheriffs. This would ensure that the airport receives the necessary level of police coverage at all times, regardless of the staffing levels of the SFPD in the city. This would also enable the SFPD to better allocate their resources and focus on improving public safety in San Francisco.

I understand that this may require some changes in policies and procedures, but I believe that it is a necessary step to ensure public safety at the airport. I urge you to consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to make it a reality.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Ken Lomba
SFDSA President
415-696-2428

OPEN LETTER TO SFPD CHIEF SCOTT – CURRENT STATE OF SFPD

Dear Chief Scott,

I am writing to express my concern about the current state of the San Francisco Police Department and to offer a potential solution to improve efficiency and increase police staffing.

As you are aware, the police department is facing mass retirements and is currently understaffed. This is a major issue, as it leaves our city vulnerable to increased crime and puts an undue burden on the remaining officers who are trying to do their best to serve and protect the community.

In order to address this issue, I believe it would be beneficial to reduce the size of the police department and turn over some functions, such as the SFO, to the San Francisco Sheriff. By reassessing the roles and responsibilities of the department, we can redirect resources towards increasing the number of police officers in San Francisco, particularly in high-need areas like the Tenderloin district.

I understand that such a change would require careful consideration and planning, but I believe it is a common sense solution that would ultimately improve public safety for San Franciscans. By streamlining the department and focusing on core functions, we can ensure that your SFPD officers are able to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.

I also believe that turning over auxiliary functions, such as the SFO, marine unit, and port patrols, to the Sheriff’s Department makes sense. The Sheriff’s Department is equipped to handle these types of tasks, and it would free up additional resources for the SFPD to focus on crime reduction and public safety in the city.

Given the current state of public safety in San Francisco, we have concerns for the well-being of our union members who reside in the city.  I hope that you will seriously consider this proposal and take any necessary steps to make it a reality. As the leader of the SFPD, it is your responsibility to ensure that the department is functioning at its best and that our city is as safe as possible. I believe that implementing these changes would be a step in the right direction towards achieving that goal.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Ken Lomba
SFDSA President
415-696-2428

SFPD at SFO should be redeployed to the Tenderloin

SF Deputy Sheriffs replacing SF Police Officers at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) would save the City’s general fund by deploying over 200 police officers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to vacant police officer positions within the City. The initial savings would be 31 million dollars, as indicated in the Budget Legislative Analysis report.

Reallocating some or all of the SFPD resources currently devoted to this low crime area (SFO) to the higher crime areas of the City, like the Tenderloin has obvious benefits. Access to these additional officers for quality  investigation of the significant crimes within San Francisco, would protect residents and serve as a fiscal savings in the overall budget.  Foot patrols and a larger SFPD presence in areas that attract tourists would provide for a safer experience for the citizens and visitors in San Francisco.  In turn, the problems facing our tourist industry and revenues that flow from them will likely improve significantly.  

We conducted a survey to see what the voters thought of this idea. 80% percent support the idea of SFSO replacing the SFPD at SFO.

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office specializes in addressing the law enforcement needs of government buildings and provides an excellent professional alternative to the San Francisco Police Department.  The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association urges you to consider, support and implement a phased plan to replace some or all of the law enforcement duties with the SFSO deputies at the San Francisco Airport. 

San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs First to Take Lip Sync Challenge International

On August 26th, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association dives into the lip sync challenge making a fun video showing there brighter side with the community.  During the making of the video, San Franciscan’s and tourists joined the Deputy Sheriffs with excitement participating with them in the video.  SFDSA President Lomba said, “It was an amazing moment of fun and togetherness.  The community and deputy sheriffs dancing and singing together!”

San Francisco Sheriffs Challenge New Zealand PoliceThis was a historic moment for the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.  It was the first time we have made a video like this with the community.  Not only was that historic, the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association was the first to take the lip sync challenge international.  We challenged the New Zealand Police an overseas police department.  After we challenged them it made headlines in the New Zealand News media.  It’s become a whole new playing field expanding internationally.  The fun, togetherness and community involvement continues on a whole new level.


 

San Francisco Sheriffs call out New Zealand Police in lip sync battle

The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association challenges their overseas friends at the New Zealand Auckland Police Department to a lip sync battle.  – New Zealand Herald

San Francisco Cops challenge Auckland Police to lip sync battle

New Zealand Police made international headlines in 2016 when they challenged police forces worldwide to the Running Man Challenge.

Now they have been issued a challenge of their own by the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association – a lip sync battle. – Newshub

We are looking forward to New Zealand Police’s lip sync challenge video and making this international, showing everyone a funner side to our profession.  Our job can be very serious at times from saving lives to protecting lives and property.   We care about you, that is our purpose.