Tag: violence

Deputy Sheriffs Working the Toughest Beat in San Francisco

Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, there exists a group of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities. These unsung heroes are the deputy sheriffs who guard the county jails, facing unique challenges and pressures that come with the territory.

Recent data paints a stark picture of the realities these deputy sheriffs confront daily. Incidents of prisoner fights have been on the rise, placing a significant strain on the already stretched-thin staffing levels. In 2022, there were 172 prisoner fights, averaging 0.276 fights per deputy sheriff. By 2023, these numbers had increased, with 240 fights averaging 0.393 fights per deputy sheriff. These statistics underscore the challenging and often volatile environment in which these deputies operate.

In addition to the increase in prisoner fights, attacks on deputies have also been on the rise. In 2022, there were 121 attacks on deputies, averaging 0.194 attacks per deputy sheriff. By 2023, this number had surged to 216 attacks, averaging 0.354 attacks per deputy sheriff. These attacks not only pose a direct threat to the safety of the deputies but also impact their morale and well-being.

Deputies Attacked 2024

Despite these challenges, deputy sheriffs in San Francisco’s county jails continue to demonstrate unwavering dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity. They work long hours, often in high-stress situations, to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Their commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order in a challenging environment is commendable and deserving of recognition.

However, the city’s failure to address the issue of understaffing in the jails puts additional strain on these already overburdened deputies. With inadequate staffing levels, deputies are forced to work longer hours and take on increased responsibilities, leading to fatigue and burnout. The city’s proposal to eliminate staffing minimums at the Sheriff’s Office further exacerbates this issue, putting the safety of both deputies and inmates at risk.

It is crucial that we recognize the invaluable contributions of these deputy sheriffs and advocate for the resources and support they need to carry out their duties safely and effectively. By investing in additional staffing and implementing measures to improve working conditions, we can ensure that our deputy sheriffs have the support they need to continue serving our communities with professionalism and dedication.

SFDSA’s Forewarning Ignored: SFO Held Hostage by Protestors, Security Concerns Persist

Just over a year ago, the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA) issued a warning to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Director Ivar Satero regarding the weak level of security at the airport. The SFDSA highlighted concerns about the staffing of police officers at SFO, noting that the current system, where SFPD staffing is dependent on city levels, was flawed and compromised public safety.

Despite this warning, yesterday, SFO experienced a major security breach as protestors took over the airport, disrupting operations and holding it hostage for close to three hours. The protestors, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, blocked traffic outside the International Terminal and security lanes inside the airport.

sfo protestors

The incident raised serious questions about SFO’s security preparedness and response. Despite the SFDSA‘s forethought and identification of security weaknesses, SFO did not call on the San Francisco Sheriffs for assistance during the protest, highlighting a failure to address the security concerns raised by the SFDSA.

 


The SFDSA’s warning, issued a year ago, was a clear indication of the potential security risks at SFO. The fact that these concerns were not addressed and that SFO did not utilize available resources, such as the San Francisco Sheriffs, during yesterday’s protest, is troubling.

Moving forward, it is imperative that SFO takes immediate action to address its security vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of its employees, customers, and infrastructure. The SFDSA’s warning should serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and the need to heed warnings from law enforcement professionals.

The incident at SFO underscores the critical importance of maintaining strong security measures at all times, especially at key transportation hubs like airports. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, as demonstrated by yesterday’s events at SFO.

San Francisco International Airport Held Hostage: A Critical Security Breach

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a vital hub for international travel, faced a major security breach on Wednesday as protesters held the airport hostage for close to three hours. The incident, which disrupted normal operations and caused fear among employees and customers, highlighted the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure to large-scale protests.

The protesters, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, blocked traffic outside the International Terminal and security lanes inside the airport. This disruptive behavior not only caused chaos but also raised serious security concerns.

 

 

SFO International is classified as a super-critical infrastructure due to its importance in international travel and commerce. Any disruption to its operations poses significant risks, including the potential for a terrorist attack. The protest at SFO demonstrated how easily such a critical infrastructure can be compromised, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Employees and customers at SFO were in fear for their safety during the ordeal. The possibility of a terrorist attack was a looming threat, as the protest created a situation where security measures could be bypassed or compromised. Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the potential for violence or escalation was a constant concern.

The incident at SFO serves as a wake-up call for the need to enhance security measures at critical infrastructure sites. It also underscores the importance of having robust contingency plans in place to respond to such emergencies swiftly and effectively.

Authorities must ensure that such disruptions do not occur again, and that the security and safety of passengers, employees, and infrastructure are prioritized at all times. Any compromise of a super-critical infrastructure like SFO could have far-reaching consequences, making it imperative to prevent such incidents in the future.

San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Condemns Misconduct by Public Defender’s Office in Domestic Violence Case

San Francisco, CA – Feb. 22, 2024 – The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA) is deeply troubled by the recent revelations of misconduct within the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office in the case of Jordana Cahen, a survivor of domestic violence. An investigative report by ABC7 News I-Team’s Dan Noyes uncovered disturbing actions by Deputy Public Defender Ilona Yanez, which included victim-blaming and unethical behavior.

The SFDSA condemns the actions of the Public Defender’s Office and Deputy Public Defender Ilona Yanez in their handling of this case. Survivors of domestic violence deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and to have their voices heard in the pursuit of justice. The conduct of the Public Defender’s Office in this case falls far short of these standards and is unacceptable.

Public Defender Mano Raju‘s apparent indifference to the misconduct within his office is also deeply concerning. As a leader in the legal profession, Raju has a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. His failure to address the serious ethical violations and boundary violations committed by his office is unacceptable.

The SFDSA calls for accountability and reform within the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to ensure that survivors of domestic violence receive the support and advocacy they deserve. It is essential that all individuals involved in the legal profession are held to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

The SFDSA stands in solidarity with Jordana Cahen and all survivors of domestic violence. We will continue to advocate for justice and support for survivors in our community.

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

Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation: Addressing San Francisco’s Illegal Drug Use Problem

In recent years, San Francisco has faced a growing challenge with illegal drug use, particularly with highly addictive and deadly substances like “tranq” Xylazine and Fentanyl. These drugs have contributed to an alarming number of drug overdose deaths, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions to address this public health crisis. As the city seeks solutions, one approach gaining attention is the concept of Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation. This method involves providing rehabilitation programs within the criminal justice system, utilizing the resources of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) to offer a controlled environment for individuals with substance use disorders to receive treatment and support.

 

Tranq Zombie Drug

 

The key to this approach lies in recognizing the intertwined nature of substance abuse and criminal behavior. Many individuals who engage in illegal drug use find themselves caught in a cycle of addiction and criminal activity, often leading to incarceration. Traditional punitive measures, such as imprisonment without addressing the underlying issues, have proven ineffective in breaking this cycle. Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation seeks to address both the criminal behavior and the root cause of substance abuse through a comprehensive program.

The SFSO plays a central role in this approach by leveraging its resources and expertise to create an environment conducive to rehabilitation. Deputy Sheriffs, who are already responsible for maintaining order and security within jail facilities, can be trained to provide support and guidance to individuals with substance use disorders. By working closely with trained professionals, participants in the program can access a range of services tailored to their needs, including counseling, medical treatment, and vocational training.

One of the key advantages of Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation is its ability to provide a structured and supervised environment for individuals to address their substance abuse issues. Unlike traditional treatment programs that rely on voluntary participation, this approach offers a more controlled setting where participants are encouraged to engage in treatment and are held accountable for their progress. By integrating rehabilitation into the criminal justice system, the program can also ensure that individuals receive the support they need while serving their sentences, increasing the likelihood of successful reintegration into society upon release.

Moreover, Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation can be a cost-effective solution for San Francisco. By addressing substance abuse issues within the criminal justice system, the program has the potential to reduce recidivism rates, leading to long-term savings associated with lower incarceration and criminal justice costs. Additionally, by breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal behavior, the program can contribute to a safer and healthier community, benefiting the city as a whole.

Importantly, this system is designed not only to address the substance abuse issues but also to attend to the overall well-being of the individuals in the program. Participants will have access to healthcare, including medical and mental health services, to address any underlying health conditions or mental health needs. They will also receive clean clothing, access to bathing facilities, and a clean environment, promoting hygiene and overall health. Deputy Sheriffs will ensure their safety, creating a secure environment conducive to recovery.

Given the grave risks associated with drugs like “tranq” Xylazine and Fentanyl, providing a comprehensive program like Incarceration-Based Rehabilitation is crucial for keeping individuals alive and getting them on the path to recovery. By offering a holistic approach that addresses both the substance abuse issues and the broader needs of the individuals, this system has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction in San Francisco. Will San Francisco value human life and do this to stop the cycle of addiction and overdose deaths? 

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

 

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

Concerns build about Violence on the Chinese Community

Concerns are building about violence against the Chinese Community becoming the new norm. With decriminalization of laws, extreme leniency and little consequences for crime in San Francisco, will attacks on the Chinese Community go unnoticed in SF’s lenient Justice System?

Sasanna Yee, representative from Communities As One
Sasanna Yee
Communities As One

Sasanna Yee, “Unfortunately, violence on the Chinese community is becoming the norm. It is occurring almost daily and increasing in brutality. Why is that? This is a serious problem that needs to be examined and stopped. How can we bring more peace and safety to communities living in fear of the next attack?”

Ken Lomba SFDSA President
Ken Lomba
SFDSA President

“I believe there is a cycle of crimes that relate to this starting with illegal drug use. Since Prop 47 when felony drug possession and felony property crimes were changed to misdemeanor crimes it had reduced the length of the prison sentence to, in some cases, a citation and probation. Couple that with extreme reformist district attorneys declining to prosecute crimes, dismissing criminal charges, and offering lenient plea bargains is another issue. Lack of consequences has emboldened criminals. The ease of illegal drug use with highly addictive drugs perpetuates car break-ins to fund the habit and in some cases it perpetuates violent acts because of the effects of the illegal drugs. And on top of that, there is organized crime taking advantage of San Francisco’s leniency on crime. All of this puts San Franciscans in danger,” says Ken Lomba President of the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.

Grandma Huang Popo photo by Sasanna Yee
Grandma Huang Popo photo by her Granddaughter Sasanna Yee

On Wednesday, Jan 9th, an 88 year old elderly woman, Grandma Huang Popo Wong was clinging to life after she was brutally assaulted at a park near her home in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley.

Explaining the photo Marlene Tran said, “Granddaughter, Sasanna Yee’s, capture of the TENDER moments between her Grandma Wong (on bed) and Grandma Yee (sadly, recently passed) makes all of us think of our elderly relatives and especially concerned because of the recent brutal crimes against our Chinese seniors!”

Leif Dautch for District Attorney
Leif Dautch candidate for District Attorney

Leif Dautch candidate for District Attorney stated, ”We must send a clear message that violence against the elderly or targeted at a particular ethnic community will not be tolerated in San Francisco, and we must work to expand language access for 911 dispatchers, police officers, and prosecutors so that all victims of crime feel comfortable reporting. Prosecutors can and should explore a wide array of charges for the attackers, from robbery and aggravated assault to enhancements for great bodily injury and elder abuse. These attacks are examples of why I’ll create an Elder Justice Coordinator in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office to oversee prosecutions involving elderly victims, to coordinate services, and to interface with community groups and leaders. The status quo simply cannot stand. ”

Sasanna Yee Communities As One
Visitacion Valley Public and Personal Safety Workshop

Sasanna Yee conducted a Visitacion Valley Public and Personal Safety Workshop to empower seniors to speak up. Many seniors shared their experiences of being robbed and bullied while living in fear in their own community.

The way to fix this is first to elect a stable and well balance district attorney like Leif Dautch. One that will be a working district attorney not a politician (she will jump at every political issue) and not a public defender (he will be focused on how to release the criminals). The next step is we have to tighten up some of the laws that were changed under Prop 47 and enhance penalties for violating ankle monitoring and for violating probation. There also needs to be an escalation in punishment for repeat offenders to deter future crimes to “slow down the revolving door.”

With a District Attorneys election coming in November, two out of four of the candidates being a Politician and a Public Defender it may get worse because their policies may encourage crime. The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association vetted all the candidates and found the best one to be Leif Dautch for District Attorney.

“Paid for by the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association PAC.  Not authorized by a candidate or committee controlled by a candidate.  Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.”