Garrett Leahy

San Francisco police spent nearly $250,000 on overtime pay to respond to the Dolores Park Hill Bomb last month, according to an email shared with The Standard.

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<p>San Francisco police spent nearly $250,000 on overtime pay to respond to the Dolores Park Hill Bomb last month, according to an email shared with The Standard.</p>

Police had warned the day before the July 6 event that they would <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/06/san-francisco-warns-dolores-park-hill-bomb-skaters-stay-away-or-face-arrest/">block off Dolores Street and make arrests</a> to stop skaters from bombing down the boulevard. Despite the barricade and heavy police presence, skaters just moved the illegal event a block over to Church Street and careened down the hill anyway.

<p>Police had warned the day before the July 6 event that they would <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/06/san-francisco-warns-dolores-park-hill-bomb-skaters-stay-away-or-face-arrest/">block off Dolores Street and make arrests</a> to stop skaters from bombing down the boulevard. Despite the barricade and heavy police presence, skaters just moved the illegal event a block over to Church Street and careened down the hill anyway.</p>

The <a href="https://x.com/dizz_h/status/1821374367584096343?s=46">overtime figure</a> was revealed in response to a public records request made by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/san-francisco-homeless-planter-war-alley/">Hazel Williams</a>, a city hall watchdog.

San Francisco homeless planter war reaches flash point in troubled alley

<p>The <a href="https://x.com/dizz_h/status/1821374367584096343?s=46">overtime figure</a> was revealed in response to a public records request made by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/san-francisco-homeless-planter-war-alley/">Hazel Williams</a>, a city hall watchdog.</p>

A skater bombs Church Street by at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Saturday, July 6, 2024. City official and Police dissuaded people a day earlier from participating and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Chief Bill Scott said extra officers will be deployed to the area to manage traffic and crowd. Police clashed with skateboarders and others during the annual event last year resulting in more than 100 arrests and citations.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined09_20240726_sfbestsummerever.jpg?w=2500" alt="A skater in a gray shirt and shorts rides a skateboard down a street, holding a phone. He's surrounded by a crowd capturing the moment with their phones." class="wp-image-295546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A skater bombs down Church Street by Dolores Park on July 6.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined09_20240726_sfbestsummerever.jpg?w=2500" alt="A skater in a gray shirt and shorts rides a skateboard down a street, holding a phone. He's surrounded by a crowd capturing the moment with their phones." class="wp-image-295546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A skater bombs down Church Street by Dolores Park on July 6.</figcaption></figure>

Police Chief Bill Scott later <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">hailed the department&#8217;s response</a> to the annual unsanctioned event as a &#8220;huge success,&#8221; even though law enforcement was unable to stop it from happening as planned.

<p>Police Chief Bill Scott later <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">hailed the department's response</a> to the annual unsanctioned event as a "huge success," even though law enforcement was unable to stop it from happening as planned.</p>

<p>Police Chief Bill Scott later <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">hailed the department&#8217;s response</a> to the annual unsanctioned event as a &#8220;huge success,&#8221; even though law enforcement was unable to stop it from happening as planned.</p>

Scott said the department&#8217;s warnings and officers&#8217; presence helped prevent property crime and violence from occurring, according to Mission Local. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The outlet <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">reported</a> that police also didn&#8217;t make any arrests</span>.

<p>Scott said the department's warnings and officers' presence helped prevent property crime and violence from occurring, according to Mission Local. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The outlet <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">reported</a> that police also didn't make any arrests</span>.</p>

<p>Scott said the department&#8217;s warnings and officers&#8217; presence helped prevent property crime and violence from occurring, according to Mission Local. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The outlet <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/sfpd-calls-dolores-park-hill-bomb-huge-success/">reported</a> that police also didn&#8217;t make any arrests</span>.</p>

That&#8217;s unlike last year&#8217;s hill bomb, where cops <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/19/san-francisco-police-defend-hill-bomb-arrests/">arrested more than 100 people</a>, most of whom were minors, and detained them for hours. Police racked up $143,236 in overtime costs during last year&#8217;s event, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/08/overtime-dolores-hill-bomb-sfpd-civil-rights-lawsuit/">according to Mission Local</a>.

Hill Bomb: San Francisco police defend mass arrests at skate event

<p>That's unlike last year's hill bomb, where cops <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/19/san-francisco-police-defend-hill-bomb-arrests/">arrested more than 100 people</a>, most of whom were minors, and detained them for hours. Police racked up $143,236 in overtime costs during last year's event, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/08/overtime-dolores-hill-bomb-sfpd-civil-rights-lawsuit/">according to Mission Local</a>.</p>

<p>That&#8217;s unlike last year&#8217;s hill bomb, where cops <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/19/san-francisco-police-defend-hill-bomb-arrests/">arrested more than 100 people</a>, most of whom were minors, and detained them for hours. Police racked up $143,236 in overtime costs during last year&#8217;s event, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/08/overtime-dolores-hill-bomb-sfpd-civil-rights-lawsuit/">according to Mission Local</a>.</p>

Representatives for SFPD did not immediately respond to The Standard&#8217;s request for comment.

<p>Representatives for SFPD did not immediately respond to The Standard's request for comment.</p>

<p>Representatives for SFPD did not immediately respond to The Standard&#8217;s request for comment.</p>

Cops racked up $250k in overtime to stop the Dolores Park Hill Bomb. It happened anyway

Jonah Owen Lamb

Lieutenants and sergeants approving their own overtime. Officers calling in sick, then working security jobs. Fifteen officers working 80-hour weeks in the past year. These and other revelations were detailed in a damning report released Thursday by the city’s budget and legislative analyst on the San Francisco Police Department’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sfpd-pay-millions-more-for-officers-to-work-fewer-hours-why/">profligate overtime spending</a>, which jumped 317% over the past five years and reached $108.4 million last year.

SFPD pays millions more for officers to work fewer hours—why?

<p>Lieutenants and sergeants approving their own overtime. Officers calling in sick, then working security jobs. Fifteen officers working 80-hour weeks in the past year. These and other revelations were detailed in a damning report released Thursday by the city’s budget and legislative analyst on the San Francisco Police Department’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sfpd-pay-millions-more-for-officers-to-work-fewer-hours-why/">profligate overtime spending</a>, which jumped 317% over the past five years and reached $108.4 million last year.</p>

“We found a lack of both internal and external accountability for overtime limit violations and excessive overtime at SFPD,” the authors of the audit wrote. “The Department has not taken sufficient steps to enforce its overtime limits, and violations typically do not result in consequences or corrective action.”

<p>“We found a lack of both internal and external accountability for overtime limit violations and excessive overtime at SFPD,” the authors of the audit wrote. “The Department has not taken sufficient steps to enforce its overtime limits, and violations typically do not result in consequences or corrective action.”</p>

In one of the most striking findings, the audit “revealed potential abuse patterns, including frequent sick leave use on specific days of the week … to avoid weekend duties” and sick leave that corresponded with private security details.

<p>In one of the most striking findings, the audit “revealed potential abuse patterns, including frequent sick leave use on specific days of the week … to avoid weekend duties” and sick leave that corresponded with private security details.</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“I knew it was bad, but not this bad.”</p><cite>Supervisor Dean Preston</cite></blockquote></figure>

According to the audit, the SFPD has spent wastefully on overtime, in some cases possibly fraudulently, with little to no oversight, to the detriment of neighborhood station staffing, police response times, and crime reduction.

<p>According to the audit, the SFPD has spent wastefully on overtime, in some cases possibly fraudulently, with little to no oversight, to the detriment of neighborhood station staffing, police response times, and crime reduction.</p>

“I knew it was bad, but not this bad,” said Supervisor Dean Preston, who requested the audit.&nbsp;

<p>“I knew it was bad, but not this bad,” said Supervisor Dean Preston, who requested the audit.&nbsp;</p>

SFPD Chief Bill Scott agreed with many of the findings, saying in a letter dated Tuesday that the department “recognized the need to improve controls” and admitting that “there is more to be done to ensure that overtime is used appropriately and in the right quantities.”&nbsp;

<p>SFPD Chief Bill Scott agreed with many of the findings, saying in a letter dated Tuesday that the department “recognized the need to improve controls” and admitting that “there is more to be done to ensure that overtime is used appropriately and in the right quantities.”&nbsp;</p>

Police Chief Bill Scott and Assistant Chief David Lazarin chat during a Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01_20240506unreportedcrimefears.jpg?w=1497" alt="Two police officers in uniform sitting closely and conversing in the Board of Supervisors chambers, with several other uniformed officers seated in the background." class="wp-image-277903"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief Bill Scott and Assistant Chief David Lazar.</figcaption></figure>


The audit comes at a time when the department is short by&nbsp; 274 officers and relies on overtime to fill needed areas, wrote Scott.

<p>The audit comes at a time when the department is short by&nbsp; 274 officers and relies on overtime to fill needed areas, wrote Scott.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-abuse-patterns">‘Potential abuse patterns’</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-abuse-patterns">‘Potential abuse patterns’</h2>

The audit looked at a five years periods reviewed — 2018-19 and 2022-23 — and found in 2022-23 department spent $108.4 million on overtime. Overtime hours cost the department <a href="https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/MOUs/Police-Officers-Association-2018-2023-Amendment-No-2.pdf">1.5 times the base pay</a> for a regular shift.

<p>The audit looked at a five years periods reviewed — 2018-19 and 2022-23 — and found in 2022-23 department spent $108.4 million on overtime. Overtime hours cost the department <a href="https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/MOUs/Police-Officers-Association-2018-2023-Amendment-No-2.pdf">1.5 times the base pay</a> for a regular shift.</p>

The audit found that 12% of officers received 32% of the overtime pay, and the vast majority goes to initiatives such as special operations in the Tenderloin to deal with drug dealers and Union Square for retail theft, rather than neighborhood policing. The audit found little evidence that either of those initiatives had positive impacts on crime or response times.

<p>The audit found that 12% of officers received 32% of the overtime pay, and the vast majority goes to initiatives such as special operations in the Tenderloin to deal with drug dealers and Union Square for retail theft, rather than neighborhood policing. The audit found little evidence that either of those initiatives had positive impacts on crime or response times.</p>

It also found potential policy violations, such as managers approving their own overtime, and 15 officers making up for an outsized amount of overtime. Some officers work the equivalent of 80-hour weeks throughout the year.&nbsp;

<p>It also found potential policy violations, such as managers approving their own overtime, and 15 officers making up for an outsized amount of overtime. Some officers work the equivalent of 80-hour weeks throughout the year.&nbsp;</p>

In an especially disturbing trend, officers call in sick, then work private security details through what’s called the 10B program.

<p>In an especially disturbing trend, officers call in sick, then work private security details through what’s called the 10B program. </p>

Twenty percent of all overtime used by a small group of officers with the most overtime was paid out as part of the 10B program, which details officers to do security for private entities who then reimburse the city.&nbsp;<br><br>The audit also found a 77% spike in sick leave over the past five years, jumping from 14 days a year to 25 — which contributed to more overtime spending to fill the gaps.&nbsp;

<p>Twenty percent of all overtime used by a small group of officers with the most overtime was paid out as part of the 10B program, which details officers to do security for private entities who then reimburse the city.&nbsp;<br><br>The audit also found a 77% spike in sick leave over the past five years, jumping from 14 days a year to 25 — which contributed to more overtime spending to fill the gaps.&nbsp;</p>

Supervisors Dean Preston attends the weekly Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for addressing local legislation, establishing city policies, as well as adopting ordinances and resolutions. The governmental body’s meetings are always open to public comment from residents.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240227_supervisorsmeeting-49.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses is seated, gazing attentively to the side in a dimly lit setting. In the background, there's a blurred American flag and a bright blue area." class="wp-image-253645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston requested the city audit of the SFPD.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240227_supervisorsmeeting-49.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses is seated, gazing attentively to the side in a dimly lit setting. In the background, there's a blurred American flag and a bright blue area." class="wp-image-253645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston requested the city audit of the SFPD.</figcaption></figure>

Approximately 51,000 hours of overtime related to 10B went to employees who were ineligible for such work due to high sick-leave usage between 2020 and 2023, the report said.

<p>Approximately 51,000 hours of overtime related to 10B went to employees who were ineligible for such work due to high sick-leave usage between 2020 and 2023, the report said.</p>

“SFPD does not adequately control staff use of overtime or monitor and enforce established overtime limits,” the audit found. “SFPD sworn staff regularly exceeded established overtime limits.”

<p>“SFPD does not adequately control staff use of overtime or monitor and enforce established overtime limits,” the audit found. “SFPD sworn staff regularly exceeded established overtime limits.”</p>

The report warned not just of overspending on overtime but of risks “to public safety and officer health” from overwork and burnout.

<p>The report warned not just of overspending on overtime but of risks “to public safety and officer health” from overwork and burnout.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-police-fail-to-police">Police fail to police</h2>


The department failed to police this excess overtime or even report it, as required by city rules, which include daily, weekly, and annual caps on overtime.&nbsp;

<p>The department failed to police this excess overtime or even report it, as required by city rules, which include daily, weekly, and annual caps on overtime.&nbsp;</p>

The audit found that 13% of overtime cards, which require two approvals, failed to have one or both signatures. In some cases, the same approver signed twice. In other cases, lieutenants or sergeants approved their own overtime.

<p>The audit found that 13% of overtime cards, which require two approvals, failed to have one or both signatures. In some cases, the same approver signed twice. In other cases, lieutenants or sergeants approved their own overtime.</p>

The department did not enforce absenteeism rules or properly monitor attendance. It also failed to monitor officers who reached a sick-leave threshold, then received overtime, a practice barred by city rules.&nbsp;

<p>The department did not enforce absenteeism rules or properly monitor attendance. It also failed to monitor officers who reached a sick-leave threshold, then received overtime, a practice barred by city rules.&nbsp;</p>

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>'SFPD does not adequately control staff use of overtime or monitor and enforce established overtime limits. SFPD sworn staff regularly exceeded established overtime limits.'</p><cite>Audit findings</cite></blockquote></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>&#8216;SFPD does not adequately control staff use of overtime or monitor and enforce established overtime limits. SFPD sworn staff regularly exceeded established overtime limits.&#8217;</p><cite>Audit findings</cite></blockquote></figure>

Personnel mismanagement adversely affected staffing at district stations, the report found. The overtime backfilling “resulted in uneven coverage at district stations, with too much backfill overtime worked at some stations on some days and not enough worked at other stations on other days.”

<p>Personnel mismanagement adversely affected staffing at district stations, the report found. The overtime backfilling “resulted in uneven coverage at district stations, with too much backfill overtime worked at some stations on some days and not enough worked at other stations on other days.”</p>

Preston requested the audit in 2023. The supervisor has critiqued SFPD spending, such as a request for $25 million in extra overtime pay last year.&nbsp;

<p>Preston requested the audit in 2023. The supervisor has critiqued SFPD spending, such as a request for $25 million in extra overtime pay last year.&nbsp;</p>

The audit raises questions about the legitimacy of claims by SFPD leaders that they can’t provide the services citizens expect due to the officer shortage, despite ever-increasing budgets.&nbsp;

<p>The audit raises questions about the legitimacy of claims by SFPD leaders that they can’t provide the services citizens expect due to the officer shortage, despite ever-increasing budgets.&nbsp;</p>

The department and its rank-and-file union claim overtime is the only way to fill staffing gaps.

<p>The department and its rank-and-file union claim overtime is the only way to fill staffing gaps.</p>

According to Preston’s office, the SFPD’s annual budget of $821 million —&nbsp;an increase of $200 million since 2020 — is the highest ever, despite declining calls for service and a drop in crime.

<p>According to Preston’s office, the SFPD’s annual budget of $821 million —&nbsp;an increase of $200 million since 2020 — is the highest ever, despite declining calls for service and a drop in crime.</p>

“The violation of laws and contracts, the lack of oversight, and the abuse of overtime are alarming and require immediate intervention,” Preston said.

<p>“The violation of laws and contracts, the lack of oversight, and the abuse of overtime are alarming and require immediate intervention,” Preston said.</p>

Cops are calling in sick to clock overtime on side gigs, audit finds

George Kelly

Homicides, auto burglaries, and other crimes fell steeply last year in San Francisco, pushing the city&#8217;s crime rate to its lowest level since 2001, Mayor London Breed announced Tuesday.

<p>Homicides, auto burglaries, and other crimes fell steeply last year in San Francisco, pushing the city's crime rate to its lowest level since 2001, Mayor London Breed announced Tuesday.</p>

<p>Homicides, auto burglaries, and other crimes fell steeply last year in San Francisco, pushing the city&#8217;s crime rate to its lowest level since 2001, Mayor London Breed announced Tuesday.</p>

Breed, citing data from the San Francisco Police Department, said reported property crimes were down 31% from 2023, and violent crimes were down 14%.

<p>Breed, citing data from the San Francisco Police Department, said reported property crimes were down 31% from 2023, and violent crimes were down 14%.</p>

The 35 homicides recorded last year in San Francisco were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/31/homicides-down-san-francisco/">the fewest in 60 years</a>. Auto break-ins, which skyrocketed during the pandemic, fell below 10,000 incidents for the first time in nearly 15 years, down 54% from 2023.

Homicides were way down in SF in 2024

<p>The 35 homicides recorded last year in San Francisco were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/31/homicides-down-san-francisco/">the fewest in 60 years</a>. Auto break-ins, which skyrocketed during the pandemic, fell below 10,000 incidents for the first time in nearly 15 years, down 54% from 2023.</p>

Breed, who leaves the mayor&#8217;s office Wednesday, credited new enforcement strategies, including expanded surveillance technology and coordinated drug market interventions. The Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/02/new-downtown-san-francisco-drug-dealing-command-center-to-open/">launched in 2023</a> to address the fentanyl crisis, led to more than 5,400 arrests.

New downtown San Francisco drug-dealing command center to open

<p>Breed, who leaves the mayor's office Wednesday, credited new enforcement strategies, including expanded surveillance technology and coordinated drug market interventions. The Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/02/new-downtown-san-francisco-drug-dealing-command-center-to-open/">launched in 2023</a> to address the fentanyl crisis, led to more than 5,400 arrests.</p>

<p>Breed, who leaves the mayor&#8217;s office Wednesday, credited new enforcement strategies, including expanded surveillance technology and coordinated drug market interventions. The Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/02/new-downtown-san-francisco-drug-dealing-command-center-to-open/">launched in 2023</a> to address the fentanyl crisis, led to more than 5,400 arrests.</p>

&#8220;This shows that when we give our officers the tools and support, like we have with new technology, they can deliver incredible results,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

<p>"This shows that when we give our officers the tools and support, like we have with new technology, they can deliver incredible results," Breed said in a statement.</p>

<p>&#8220;This shows that when we give our officers the tools and support, like we have with new technology, they can deliver incredible results,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.</p>

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, center and San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, right, smile during the town hall, in San Francisco on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office held the town hall at the St. Anthony Foundation to address public safety in the Tenderloin.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_14.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several people are seated at a table, smiling and laughing. They are in uniform and business attire, with a backdrop labeled &quot;Hope Stability Renewal.&quot;" class="wp-image-188372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jenkins, Scott, and San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_14.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several people are seated at a table, smiling and laughing. They are in uniform and business attire, with a backdrop labeled &quot;Hope Stability Renewal.&quot;" class="wp-image-188372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jenkins, Scott, and San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.</figcaption></figure>

The city reported 4,739 violent crimes and 30,991 property crimes in 2024. Human trafficking declined 45%, while robberies fell 22%, burglaries were down 11%, and assaults dropped by 6%, according to the mayor&#8217;s office.

<p>The city reported 4,739 violent crimes and 30,991 property crimes in 2024. Human trafficking declined 45%, while robberies fell 22%, burglaries were down 11%, and assaults dropped by 6%, according to the mayor's office.</p>

<p>The city reported 4,739 violent crimes and 30,991 property crimes in 2024. Human trafficking declined 45%, while robberies fell 22%, burglaries were down 11%, and assaults dropped by 6%, according to the mayor&#8217;s office.</p>

Yet, the perception of out-of-control lawlessness in San Francisco was a driving force in the mayoral election that propelled political newcomer Daniel Lurie to victory. He said public safety would be his top priority and has hired Paul Yep, a former police commander, to be the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/daniel-lurie-paul-yep-chief-public-safety/">city&#8217;s first public safety czar</a>.

Daniel Lurie taps former police commander as public safety czar

<p>Yet, the perception of out-of-control lawlessness in San Francisco was a driving force in the mayoral election that propelled political newcomer Daniel Lurie to victory. He said public safety would be his top priority and has hired Paul Yep, a former police commander, to be the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/daniel-lurie-paul-yep-chief-public-safety/">city's first public safety czar</a>.</p>

<p>Yet, the perception of out-of-control lawlessness in San Francisco was a driving force in the mayoral election that propelled political newcomer Daniel Lurie to victory. He said public safety would be his top priority and has hired Paul Yep, a former police commander, to be the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/daniel-lurie-paul-yep-chief-public-safety/">city&#8217;s first public safety czar</a>.</p>

SFPD Chief Bill Scott praised officers for working overtime to compensate for staffing shortages. The department has also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">deployed new tools</a>, including automated license plate readers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">drones</a>, to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">aid enforcement efforts</a>.

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<p>SFPD Chief Bill Scott praised officers for working overtime to compensate for staffing shortages. The department has also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">deployed new tools</a>, including automated license plate readers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">drones</a>, to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">aid enforcement efforts</a>.</p>

&#8220;We will continue working to make San Francisco one of the safest big cities in the nation in the months and years to come,&#8221; Scott said Tuesday in a statement.

<p>"We will continue working to make San Francisco one of the safest big cities in the nation in the months and years to come," Scott said Tuesday in a statement. </p>

<p>&#8220;We will continue working to make San Francisco one of the safest big cities in the nation in the months and years to come,&#8221; Scott said Tuesday in a statement. </p>

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office would continue prioritizing accountability, while Sheriff Paul Miyamoto highlighted successful interagency cooperation despite resource constraints.

<p>District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office would continue prioritizing accountability, while Sheriff Paul Miyamoto highlighted successful interagency cooperation despite resource constraints.</p>

London Breed reflects on faith, service in one of her final public appearances as mayor

sf-standard/related-post

The exit interview: Breed rejects criticism on her way out the door

DA Brooke Jenkins breaks silence on rumored run for higher office

sf-standard/related-posts-container

“Although, there is still more work to be done, the improving crime rates show that we’re moving in the right direction,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;My office will continue to do everything we can to ensure the criminal justice system works in our city and there is accountability and meaningful consequences for criminal behavior.”

<p>“Although, there is still more work to be done, the improving crime rates show that we’re moving in the right direction," Jenkins said. "My office will continue to do everything we can to ensure the criminal justice system works in our city and there is accountability and meaningful consequences for criminal behavior.”</p>

<p>“Although, there is still more work to be done, the improving crime rates show that we’re moving in the right direction,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;My office will continue to do everything we can to ensure the criminal justice system works in our city and there is accountability and meaningful consequences for criminal behavior.”</p>

SF crime rate at lowest point in more than 20 years, mayor says

Jennifer Wadsworth

San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall is in stable condition after a 17-year-old shot him during a broad-daylight robbery Saturday in Union Square, police said.

<p>San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall is in stable condition after a 17-year-old shot him during a broad-daylight robbery Saturday in Union Square, police said.</p>

Pearsall — a 23-year-old Phoenix native and the 49ers&#8217; first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was walking past 77 Geary St. around 3:30 p.m. when the teenager walked up and pointed a gun at him, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

<p>Pearsall — a 23-year-old Phoenix native and the 49ers' first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was walking past 77 Geary St. around 3:30 p.m. when the teenager walked up and pointed a gun at him, according to the San Francisco Police Department. </p>

<p>Pearsall — a 23-year-old Phoenix native and the 49ers&#8217; first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was walking past 77 Geary St. around 3:30 p.m. when the teenager walked up and pointed a gun at him, according to the San Francisco Police Department. </p>

A struggle ensued that culminated with both Pearsall and the would-be robber getting shot, SFPD Chief Bill Scott told reporters outside San Francisco General Hospital, where the victim and suspect were still hospitalized Saturday evening.

<p>A struggle ensued that culminated with both Pearsall and the would-be robber getting shot, SFPD Chief Bill Scott told reporters outside San Francisco General Hospital, where the victim and suspect were still hospitalized Saturday evening.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our statement on the tragic shooting today of <a href="https://twitter.com/49ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@49ers</a> WR Ricky Pearsall. This kind of violence is unacceptable in our city. <a href="https://t.co/nXT8CMfNV8">pic.twitter.com/nXT8CMfNV8</a></p>&mdash; Evan Sernoffsky (@EvanSernoffsky) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanSernoffsky/status/1830046312315961642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Officers responded &#8220;almost immediately,&#8221; Scott said, and arrested the suspect — a Tracy resident — while he was trying to run away from the crime scene.

<p>Officers responded "almost immediately," Scott said, and arrested the suspect — a Tracy resident — while he was trying to run away from the crime scene.</p>

<p>Officers responded &#8220;almost immediately,&#8221; Scott said, and arrested the suspect — a Tracy resident — while he was trying to run away from the crime scene.</p>

Video filmed by a witness in the aftermath of the shooting shows Pearsall walking toward an ambulance, where paramedics guide him onto a gurney before rushing him to the ER a few miles away.

<p>Video filmed by a witness in the aftermath of the shooting shows Pearsall walking toward an ambulance, where paramedics guide him onto a gurney before rushing him to the ER a few miles away.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Video of 49ers draft pick Ricky Pearsall walking to ambulance after police say he was shot near Union Square. Video from witness. <a href="https://twitter.com/KTVU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KTVU</a> <a href="https://t.co/luhulILUQ7">pic.twitter.com/luhulILUQ7</a></p>&mdash; Zak Sos (@ZakSNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZakSNews/status/1830052702501683327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&#8220;This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city,&#8221; Scott said hours later from a podium by the General Hospital&#8217;s ambulance bay.

<p>"This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city," Scott said hours later from a podium by the General Hospital's ambulance bay.</p>

<p>&#8220;This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city,&#8221; Scott said hours later from a podium by the General Hospital&#8217;s ambulance bay.</p>

Mayor London Breed, who offered her condolences to Pearsall and his family on social media promptly after the shooting, reiterated her sympathies at the press conference alongside the police chief and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

<p>Mayor London Breed, who offered her condolences to Pearsall and his family on social media promptly after the shooting, reiterated her sympathies at the press conference alongside the police chief and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This afternoon, there was an attempted robbery in Union Square involving San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and he was shot.<br><br>SFPD was on scene immediately and an arrest of the shooter was made.<br><br>My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time.<br><br>We will…</p>&mdash; London Breed (@LondonBreed) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1830038614203646072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&#8220;This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field.&#8221;

<p>"This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family," Breed said. "He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field."</p>

<p>&#8220;This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field.&#8221;</p>

Jenkins said the investigation is ongoing and that her office will decide what charges to bring against the alleged shooter by the middle of next week. But she confirmed that the case will be prosecuted in juvenile court.

<p>Jenkins said the investigation is ongoing and that her office will decide what charges to bring against the alleged shooter by the middle of next week. But she confirmed that the case will be prosecuted in juvenile court.</p>

&#8220;It should be clear, one, that the police department in this city will do its job to make sure that those who are committing any crime — let alone a crime like this — will get caught,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;And I also want to make it clear that when that happens and my office takes over, that there will be accountability for those who commit these types of acts in San Francisco.&#8221;

<p>"It should be clear, one, that the police department in this city will do its job to make sure that those who are committing any crime — let alone a crime like this — will get caught," Jenkins said. "And I also want to make it clear that when that happens and my office takes over, that there will be accountability for those who commit these types of acts in San Francisco."</p>

<p>&#8220;It should be clear, one, that the police department in this city will do its job to make sure that those who are committing any crime — let alone a crime like this — will get caught,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;And I also want to make it clear that when that happens and my office takes over, that there will be accountability for those who commit these types of acts in San Francisco.&#8221;</p>

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and SFPD Chief Bill Scott address reporters during a press conference after the shooting of 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/unnamed-18.jpg?w=1249" alt="A police officer speaks at a podium with microphones outside a brick building, while a woman in a black pinstripe suit stands beside him. A police car is visible in the background." class="wp-image-307018"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and SFPD Chief Bill Scott address reporters during a press conference hours after the shooting.</figcaption></figure>


SFPD urged anyone with information about the shooting to call inspectors at (415) 575-4444 or text tips beginning with &#8220;SFPD&#8221; to TIP411.

<p>SFPD urged anyone with information about the shooting to call inspectors at (415) 575-4444 or text tips beginning with "SFPD" to TIP411.</p>

<p>SFPD urged anyone with information about the shooting to call inspectors at (415) 575-4444 or text tips beginning with &#8220;SFPD&#8221; to TIP411.</p>

The 49ers didn&#8217;t immediately respond to a request for comment.

<p>The 49ers didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The 49ers didn&#8217;t immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

KTVU reporter Sal Castaneda broke the news less than an hour after the shooting, saying Pearsall was targeted for his Rolex watch.

<p>KTVU reporter Sal Castaneda broke the news less than an hour after the shooting, saying Pearsall was targeted for his Rolex watch.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> Ricky Pearsall was reportedly shot in a robbery attempt over his Rolex watch in downtown San Francisco according to sources. We don’t know his condition.</p>&mdash; Sal Castaneda (@sal_castaneda) <a href="https://twitter.com/sal_castaneda/status/1830027447007637939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the hours to follow, Pearsall&#8217;s teammates posted words of support online.

<p>In the hours to follow, Pearsall's teammates posted words of support online.</p>

<p>In the hours to follow, Pearsall&#8217;s teammates posted words of support online.</p>

Fellow 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk expressed relief about Pearsall coming away from the violent encounter in stable condition.

<p>Fellow 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk expressed relief about Pearsall coming away from the violent encounter in stable condition.</p>

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As word of the shooting spread, San Francisco political figures — including mayoral contenders Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell — also took to social media to comment on the incident.

<p>As word of the shooting spread, San Francisco political figures — including mayoral contenders Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell — also took to social media to comment on the incident.</p>

&#8220;No one — whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city — should ever have to fear for their safety in San Francisco,&#8221; Lurie wrote on X. &#8220;This senseless violence must end.&#8221;

<p>"No one — whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city — should ever have to fear for their safety in San Francisco," Lurie wrote on X. "This senseless violence must end."</p>

<p>&#8220;No one — whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city — should ever have to fear for their safety in San Francisco,&#8221; Lurie wrote on X. &#8220;This senseless violence must end.&#8221;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My heart goes out to Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49er who was shot in Union Square, and the entire 49er family. I am praying for Ricky’s quick &amp; full recovery. No one—whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city—should ever have to fear for their safety in San…</p>&mdash; Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1830035368370192528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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