Tag: San Francisco Police

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.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Group Using Nextdoor App

Safety and security are important concerns for any community, and starting a neighborhood watch group can be an effective way to foster a sense of community vigilance and keep your neighborhood safe. With the advancement of technology, there are now online tools that can facilitate the organization and communication of a neighborhood watch group, such as the Nextdoor app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a neighborhood watch group using the Nextdoor app.

Step 1: Create or Join a Nextdoor Account The first step in starting a neighborhood watch group using the Nextdoor app is to create an account on the Nextdoor platform, if you don’t have one already. Nextdoor is a social networking app that connects neighbors and allows them to communicate about various topics, including community safety. You can sign up using your email address or by linking your account to your Facebook profile. Once your account is set up, you can verify your address to join your neighborhood’s Nextdoor community.

Step 2: Get to Know Your Neighbors Building a neighborhood watch group starts with getting to know your neighbors. Take the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and build relationships with them. This can be done through the Nextdoor app by sending messages or posting introductions in the neighborhood feed. Building a sense of community and trust among your neighbors is crucial for the success of your neighborhood watch group.

Step 3: Create a Neighborhood Watch Group Once you have established a rapport with your neighbors, you can start creating a neighborhood watch group on the Nextdoor app. You can create a group specifically for your neighborhood within the Nextdoor platform, and invite your neighbors to join. You can name your group something like “Neighborhood Watch” or “Safety Patrol,” and set the privacy settings to invite only or require approval to join for added security.

Step 4: Define the Purpose and Goals of Your Group Clearly define the purpose and goals of your neighborhood watch group on the Nextdoor app. What are the main objectives of your group? Is it to report suspicious activities, share safety tips, or organize neighborhood watch patrols? Clearly outlining the purpose and goals of your group will help members understand its focus and expectations.

Step 5: Establish Communication Protocols Communication is key for the success of any neighborhood watch group, and the Nextdoor app provides various tools to facilitate communication within your group. You can use the group’s chat feature or create specific discussion threads for different topics. Establish communication protocols, such as how and when to report suspicious activities, what information to include in reports, and how to handle emergency situations. Encourage active participation and engagement from all group members.

Step 6: Educate and Empower Group Members Empower your group members with knowledge and resources to be proactive in keeping their neighborhood safe. Share safety tips, crime prevention strategies, and information about local law enforcement agencies. Invite local law enforcement representatives to provide training sessions or participate in discussions on the Nextdoor app. Educate your group members about emergency protocols, including what to do in case of a fire, natural disaster, or other emergencies.

Step 7: Organize Neighborhood Watch Patrols One of the main activities of a neighborhood watch group is organizing patrols to monitor the neighborhood for suspicious activities. With the Nextdoor app, you can easily coordinate neighborhood watch patrols by creating events or discussion threads for members to sign up for patrol shifts. Encourage members to report any suspicious activities they observe during patrols or in their day-to-day activities.

Step 8: Collaborate with Local Law Enforcement Collaboration with local law enforcement is crucial for the success of a neighborhood watch group. Establish a positive relationship with your local law enforcement agencies and keep them informed about your neighborhood watch group’s activities. Invite law enforcement representatives to attend group meetings or participate in discussions on the Nextdoor app. Seek their guidance and support in organizing your neighborhood watch group, and work together to address safety concerns in your community. Remember, neighborhood watch groups are not meant to replace law enforcement, but to work in partnership with them to enhance community safety.

Step 9: Promote Community Engagement In addition to patrolling and reporting suspicious activities, a neighborhood watch group should also focus on promoting community engagement. Encourage members to participate in neighborhood events, socialize with one another, and look out for each other. A strong sense of community can deter crime and create a supportive environment where neighbors watch out for one another’s safety.

Step 10: Regularly Evaluate and Adjust Regularly evaluate and adjust the activities of your neighborhood watch group on the Nextdoor app. Review the effectiveness of your patrols, communication protocols, and engagement strategies. Seek feedback from group members and law enforcement partners to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your group’s activities and strategies accordingly to ensure that you are addressing the changing safety needs of your community.

In conclusion, starting a neighborhood watch group using the Nextdoor app can be a powerful way to promote community safety and security. By creating a group, defining its purpose and goals, establishing communication protocols, organizing patrols, collaborating with law enforcement, and promoting community engagement, you can build a proactive and vigilant neighborhood watch group. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together as a community, you can create a safer and more secure neighborhood for everyone. Stay connected, stay vigilant, and keep your neighborhood safe with Nextdoor!

Why Should You Consider Installing a Catalytic Converter Protective Cage in San Francisco?

Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in San Francisco in recent years, and it can be a costly and frustrating experience for vehicle owners. Thieves target these auto parts because they contain precious metals, like platinum and rhodium, that can be sold for a high price. While there are several steps you can take to prevent catalytic converter theft, placing a protective cage over the converter is an additional measure that can be highly effective.

  1. What is a Catalytic Converter Protective Cage?

A catalytic converter protective cage is a metal enclosure that fits around your vehicle’s catalytic converter. The cage is designed to make it more difficult for thieves to remove the converter, as it would require them to cut through the cage before accessing the converter. Many protective cages are made of heavy-duty steel, making them highly durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.

  1. How Does a Catalytic Converter Protective Cage Work?

The protective cage is designed to prevent thieves from removing the catalytic converter by making it much more challenging to access. Thieves typically use a saw or reciprocating saw to cut the converter from the vehicle, but the cage makes it difficult for them to access it in the first place. The metal bars and enclosure around the converter create a physical barrier, which can deter thieves and force them to look for an easier target.

  1. Why Should You Consider Installing a Catalytic Converter Protective Cage?

A catalytic converter protective cage is a highly effective way to prevent catalytic converter theft. It provides an additional layer of security and can make your vehicle less attractive to thieves. Additionally, a protective cage is a one-time investment that can save you a lot of money in the long run. If your catalytic converter is stolen, it can cost you thousands of dollars to replace it and repair any damage caused by the theft.

  1. Other Steps to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

While a protective cage is an effective way to prevent catalytic converter theft, there are other steps you can take to reduce your risk. One of the most effective methods is to park your vehicle in a secure, well-lit area with a lot of foot traffic. Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle parked in an area where they could be easily spotted. You can also use a catalytic converter lock or engrave your license plate number on the converter, which can make it easier to identify stolen parts.

  1. Conclusion

Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem in San Francisco, but there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle. By installing a catalytic converter protective cage and taking other preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of this crime. A protective cage is a highly effective way to prevent theft, as it creates a physical barrier that can deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to access the converter. By taking these steps, you can help protect your valuable vehicle and save yourself from the headache of dealing with the aftermath of a theft.

SFPOA Publicly Shamed a Small Business

There have been numerous tax paying businesses closing up their San Francisco locations in recent years, as well as many small businesses/restaurants closing up shop. In addition, just days ago, the San Francisco Police Officers’ Association publicly criticized a small restaurant business for the actions of a new employee on social media.

The actions taken by SFPOA were an embarrassment to not only law enforcement unions, but to San Francisco as a whole. One wonders if it was appropriate to publicly shame a small business while they are struggling in the city; especially considering Police Chief Scott speaks of de-escalation and respect for the community in his training initiatives. Those on the SPOA board, including the Police Lieutenant leading the SFPOA, have received additional management and discrimination training – yet they chose to bully and publicly shame businesses. This could have been easily avoided with a simple phone call or meeting with the restaurant’s owner or manager. Posting their shaming on social media, tagging pizzaquaredsf, caused a flurry of national news releases; it is clear their intention was to spread their message far and wide.

SFPOA shames Pizzasquared

 

 

The San Francisco Police Officers Association has negatively impacted Pizza Squared in San Francisco.  This negative public shaming will negatively impact Pizza Squared’s business.  This can already be seen in negative online comments and Yelp reviews. The SFPOA operates unprofessionally, and it wasn’t necessary to post it on social media.

 

SFPOA Makes Childish Attack on SFDSA

On January 14, 2023 at 8:12 PM, the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) made a statement that was misleading and contained falsehoods. The SFPOA claimed that the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) cannot staff the jails, but this is not true. According to mandatory guidelines, SFSO Deputy Sheriffs are required to staff the jails.  The SFSO staffs the jails on voluntary overtime or mandated overtime. The SFSO is working to increase recruitment and reduce overtime, and has made significant progress in recruiting new Deputy Sheriffs.

The SFPOA also claimed that the SFSO lacks the training required to perform their duties. This is also untrue. The SFSO has the same POST training certifications as police officers and more. The only additional training required by the California Peace Officers Standards of Training is an Aviation Security Training course, which is only a 40 hour course. The SFPOA is presenting this as a significant hurdle, but it is not.  Additional training can be easily accomplished. See our current list of training in our article “San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs are highly trained individuals.”

The SFPOA also stated that the SFSO lacks the training to respond to a terrorist attack. The SFDSA strongly disagrees with this claim. In the event of a terrorist attack, the SFPD will turn to the SFSO for assistance. The SFSO has a long history of responding to large scale emergencies such as riots, the Loma Prieto Earthquake, and forest fires. The SFSO also responded to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and worked 24/7 to protect the public.

SFPOA Childish Attack with false info

 

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) has a dedicated Emergency Services Unit (ESU) that includes a Special Response Team, a Crisis Negotiation Team, and a Radio Telephone Operator Team. These teams respond to emergencies within the Department, City, and County of San Francisco, as well as mutual aid requests from other jurisdictions. The ESU also includes a Mobile Field Force (MFF) that is trained to respond to major critical incidents, including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) devices. The MFF is led by a Platoon Commander, an Executive Officer and is divided into four squads.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) has misleadingly claimed that it is not possible for Deputy Sheriffs to work at the airport. However, the SFPD arrest data at the airport is minimal, with an average of approximately 300 arrests per year, and approximately 130 SFPD officers (staffing data from 2020). Additionally, the SFPD has 27 Sergeants at the airport, which is an unusual ratio of 1 supervisor to every 5 police officers. It is clear that the level of arrests at the airport is low and it would be a misuse of City resources to have SFPD at the airport. We will provide updated data as it becomes available.

As stated on Twitter prior to the SFPOA’s misleading post, it is possible for the SFSO to staff the airport. First, we can grandfather in any PD Officer close to retirement. Second, a percentage of the police officers at the airport can return to SF to patrol. And third, the SFDSA will work with the Sheriff to create a functional staffing plan and assist with recruiting. This can be done in a phased approach, not overnight.

SFPOA Released False Info to the Public

On January 14, 2023 at 8:12 PM, the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) released false information to the public, causing confusion and mistrust among the community. In a post on Twitter, the SFPOA attempted to dissuade the idea of Deputy Sheriffs filling police positions at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the Ports, and/or the Marine Unit by falsely stating that the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) is understaffed by 430 Deputy Sheriffs.  This is false, the Sheriffs Office is not understaffed by 430 Deputies.

SFPOA False Info to Public

The San Francisco Police Department is currently understaffed to the point where it has to send its investigators to patrol several days a week, this is a serious matter as it impacts public safety and criminal investigations (reported by Lou Barberini GBTBNews). The understaffing problem is a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Normally, law enforcement agencies work together and help each other to achieve the goal of public safety. However, it appears that the SFPOA is more interested in protecting their monopoly on law enforcement instead of keeping San Francisco safe. Public Safety does not appear to be a priority for the SFPOA, if it was, why are they working so hard to block Deputy Sheriffs from providing staffing relief at the SFO, Ports, or Marine Unit?

Allowing Deputy Sheriffs to take over those locations would allow the SFPD to redirect its police officers to the City to respond to emergencies and calls for service, thereby increasing public safety. It is essential that the SFPOA and the SFDSA work together to achieve the common goal of keeping San Francisco safe. The public deserves nothing less. The SFPOA must understand that their actions have consequences and they must be held accountable for their words and actions. The community deserves transparency and honesty from its law enforcement agencies. The SFPOA should be focused on finding solutions to improve public safety, rather than spreading false information and attacking their colleagues in law enforcement.

It is worth noting that SFDSA President Lomba, the man being attacked by the SFPOA, had spent Christmas Day with his family delivering hot meals to Deputy Sheriffs that spent their Christmas Holiday working to protect others. This shows the dedication and commitment of the SFDSA in ensuring public safety and the contrast with the SFPOA’s behavior.

San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs are Highly Trained Individuals

San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs are highly trained individuals who play a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the city. As 830.1 Peace officers, they have the same level of training and qualifications as a SFPD Police Officer.

The training process for a recruit deputy begins with a 6.5-month Post Certified Academy, which is currently held at the South Bay Regional Academy in San Mateo or Santa Rosa Junior College. Once the recruit graduates from the POST Academy, they must pass a four-week Board of State & Community Corrections Certified Jail Corrections Course.

SF Deputies

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office places a strong emphasis on ongoing training for their sworn staff. In addition to the 24 Hrs. of Certified POST training that must be completed biennially, all SFSO sworn staff attend an additional 24 Hrs. of certified Board of State and Community Corrections BSCC training annually. This means that San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs receive more mandated training than a police agency.

In addition to standard training, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office has trained their sworn staff on a 16 Hr. mandatory Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) which emphasizes de-escalation and situational awareness when dealing with individuals with mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and altered mental status. This training was conducted FY 2019-2020 and was again offered FY 2021-2022. Deputies also receive 4 Hrs. of Force Option Simulator Training which emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation, and Use of Force decision making. All sworn personnel attended in FY 2019-2020 and recently attended 4 hrs. during the recent 2021-2022 cycle.

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office also has a POST certified Field Training Program (Like the SFPD) and was one of the first agencies to develop their manual to meet the new POST requirements.

In terms of investigations, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office has their own Criminal Investigations Unit staffed with trained investigators who receive the same POST Training as SFPD Investigators. All investigators have attended the 76 Hr. Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation Training and 40 Hr. Behavioral Awareness Training Institute. They are trained and equipped to investigate all crimes that fall under the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, including non-custody felony crimes in the field.

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office also has an Emergency Services Unit (ESU) with 150 Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to it. All ESU staff are chosen after passing a written and physical exam and receive a 40-hour course that covers advanced firearms training, crowd control, building search, active shooter training, and medical rescue. ESU members receive an additional 40 Hrs. of training minimum.

San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs are highly trained individuals

The Special Response Team (SRT) is a highly trained unit within the ESU. To qualify, members must first be part of the ESU and pass a physical challenge, firearms proficiency exam, simulation exercise, written exam, and oral interview panel. Chosen members are then required to attend an 80 Hour SWAT school and receive additional monthly training.

Finally, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office has a K-9 Unit, where a K-9 Team must attend a 40 hour dog handler course. A K-9 handler must partake in 16 Hrs. of monthly training minimum to meet POST standards to maintain basic patrol and/or detection proficiency.

In conclusion, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs are well-trained and highly qualified individuals who play a vital role in maintaining law and order within the city. They undergo rigorous training and ongoing education to ensure they are equipped to handle any situation that arises.

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

SF Police Chief Scott Says Staffing Shortage But Still Assigns SF Police to SFO

San Francisco Police Chief Scott has been all over the newspaper advocating he has a police staffing shortage.  But is he doing everything to balance his staffing to improve public safety in San Francisco.  

Chief Scott stated the San Francisco Police Department is short 400 police officers and that if he increases police in San Francisco it will reduce crime.  What about all the police officers he has assigned to the San Francisco Airport which is located over 10 miles South of San Francisco in San Mateo County?  Why doesn’t he return some of them to SF?  As flights increase at SFO, the airport will demand more police.  Will Chief Scott continue to send his experienced police officers to SFO?  This is such an inefficient practice.

Chief Scott can contact San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto and create a joint effort at the SFO with both SF Police Officers and SF Deputy Sheriffs.  This would relieve the stress on SFPD for staffing the airport.  The airport can be supplemented with both police and sheriffs.  By doing this, Chief Scott can focus on his mission and responsibility which is the City of San Francisco.

Chief Scott wants more police but will he continue the same old practice of assigning his most experienced and trained police officers over 10 miles away at the SFO in a different county or will he do something efficient and bring in the SF Sheriffs to assist him with the airport staffing needs so his police officers can work in San Francisco?

We have a better way.  Send in the Sheriffs.  Please read this research report on “Bringing San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs to the San Francisco Airport: An Opportunity For An Efficient And Practical Change.”


 

 

SFDSA receives 2018 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

SFDSA Gold SealSan Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association was recently recognized for our transparency with a 2018 Gold Seal on our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile!

GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. More than 8 million visitors per year and a network of 200+ partners use GuideStar data to grow support for nonprofits.   In order to get the 2018 Gold Seal, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association shared important information with the public using our profile on www.guidestar.org. 

Now our community members and potential donors can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make in the world.

Check out our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile and tell us what you think:  https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-2838370