Liz Lindqwister

Between 2017 and 2022, the San Francisco Police Department spent $88.9 million more on its employees—despite its staff working fewer hours, according to employee pay data from the City Controller’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Between 2017 and 2022, the San Francisco Police Department spent $88.9 million more on its employees—despite its staff working fewer hours, according to employee pay data from the City Controller’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The cause? Police say it’s the department’s significant increase in overtime: Over the last five years, the number of overtime hours logged by the department steadily increased, before jumping 54% between 2021 and 2022.

The cause? Police say it’s the department’s significant increase in overtime: Over the last five years, the number of overtime hours logged by the department steadily increased, before jumping 54% between 2021 and 2022.

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In total, department staff—including both sworn officers and administrative staffers—worked roughly 125,700 fewer hours in 2022 than it did in 2021, which amounts to a decline of 2%. That was largely driven by an 8% decrease in regular hours worked, which police attribute to the sworn officer shortage.

In total, department staff—including both sworn officers and administrative staffers—worked roughly 125,700 fewer hours in 2022 than it did in 2021, which amounts to a decline of 2%. That was largely driven by an 8% decrease in regular hours worked, which police attribute to the sworn officer shortage.

SF’s police department has 335 fewer full-duty police officers than it did in 2017, with a total of 1,537 officers as of January, according to Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a former police communications staffer.

SF’s police department has 335 fewer full-duty police officers than it did in 2017, with a total of 1,537 officers as of January, according to Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a former police communications staffer.

A police staffing analysis indicated that the department <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission041322-%20Staffing%20Analysis.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">needs upward of 2,100 sworn officers</a> to satisfy city demands. As fewer officers are available to patrol streets or respond to incidents, the department says it has been forced to ask staff to work longer hours or pick up extra shifts.&nbsp;

A police staffing analysis indicated that the department <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission041322-%20Staffing%20Analysis.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">needs upward of 2,100 sworn officers</a> to satisfy city demands. As fewer officers are available to patrol streets or respond to incidents, the department says it has been forced to ask staff to work longer hours or pick up extra shifts.&nbsp;

Overtime hours cost the department <a href="https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/MOUs/Police-Officers-Association-2018-2023-Amendment-No-2.pdf">one-and-a-half times the base pay</a> for a regular shift. If the department keeps losing officers and shrinking its ranks, its increased reliance on overtime drives up pay costs.

Overtime hours cost the department <a href="https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/MOUs/Police-Officers-Association-2018-2023-Amendment-No-2.pdf">one-and-a-half times the base pay</a> for a regular shift. If the department keeps losing officers and shrinking its ranks, its increased reliance on overtime drives up pay costs.

Police departments <a href="https://calmatters.org/justice/2022/12/police-officer-shortage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">across the country</a> have reported <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/25/us/police-officer-recruits.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar staffing shortages</a>, which many say leads to increased police response times and insufficient services, often in underserved neighborhoods.

Police departments <a href="https://calmatters.org/justice/2022/12/police-officer-shortage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">across the country</a> have reported <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/25/us/police-officer-recruits.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar staffing shortages</a>, which many say leads to increased police response times and insufficient services, often in underserved neighborhoods.

In San Francisco, concerns about public safety have reached a fever pitch as merchants and city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/worse-than-its-ever-been-crime-rising-in-san-franciscos-sleepy-sunset-district/">residents report increased property crime</a>, open-air drug dealing, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-thieves-nab-awe-wrestlers-championship-belt-from-rental-car/">car break-ins</a> and vehicle theft.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, concerns about public safety have reached a fever pitch as merchants and city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/worse-than-its-ever-been-crime-rising-in-san-franciscos-sleepy-sunset-district/">residents report increased property crime</a>, open-air drug dealing, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-thieves-nab-awe-wrestlers-championship-belt-from-rental-car/">car break-ins</a> and vehicle theft.&nbsp;

These findings come as Mayor London Breed attempts to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/political-turbulence-ahead-for-breeds-27m-police-overtime-bill/">push her latest budget agenda</a>, which includes a $27.6 million supplemental to fund police overtime. Citing extreme understaffing issues and a higher cost of overtime hours, the budget supplemental is designed to foot the bill for more patrols and prevent a hiring and overtime freeze at the department.&nbsp;

These findings come as Mayor London Breed attempts to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/political-turbulence-ahead-for-breeds-27m-police-overtime-bill/">push her latest budget agenda</a>, which includes a $27.6 million supplemental to fund police overtime. Citing extreme understaffing issues and a higher cost of overtime hours, the budget supplemental is designed to foot the bill for more patrols and prevent a hiring and overtime freeze at the department.&nbsp;

What’s Behind the Increase in Pay?&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-behind-the-increase-in-pay">What’s Behind the Increase in Pay?&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-what-s-behind-the-increase-in-pay">What’s Behind the Increase in Pay?&nbsp;</h2>

In addition to the higher cost of overtime pay, police department representatives say consistent cost-of-living adjustments have increased the department’s employee spending. SF police upped pay by 3% in both 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, and officers say pay rates are expected to increase another 6% by July this year.&nbsp;

In addition to the higher cost of overtime pay, police department representatives say consistent cost-of-living adjustments have increased the department’s employee spending. SF police upped pay by 3% in both 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, and officers say pay rates are expected to increase another 6% by July this year.&nbsp;

And because San Francisco’s police department has struggled to recruit and swear in new officers, the department says that it has to pay more for officers who have served for numerous years.&nbsp;

And because San Francisco’s police department has struggled to recruit and swear in new officers, the department says that it has to pay more for officers who have served for numerous years.&nbsp;

&#8220;During that same 2017 to 2022 time period, the cost of living in the San Francisco area increased more than 20% and like all city and private sector employees, our officers have seen modest pay increases to keep up with those costs,&#8221; said Tracy McCray, president of the SF Police Officer&#8217;s Association. &#8220;If the city wants to reduce its overtime costs, it has to hire more officers.&#8221;

"During that same 2017 to 2022 time period, the cost of living in the San Francisco area increased more than 20% and like all city and private sector employees, our officers have seen modest pay increases to keep up with those costs," said Tracy McCray, president of the SF Police Officer's Association. "If the city wants to reduce its overtime costs, it has to hire more officers."

&#8220;During that same 2017 to 2022 time period, the cost of living in the San Francisco area increased more than 20% and like all city and private sector employees, our officers have seen modest pay increases to keep up with those costs,&#8221; said Tracy McCray, president of the SF Police Officer&#8217;s Association. &#8220;If the city wants to reduce its overtime costs, it has to hire more officers.&#8221;

San Francsicso Police Department officers observe a protest against “killer robots,” at San Francisco City Hall on Monday, December 5, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136031"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers observe a protest against&nbsp;&#8220;killer robots&#8221; at San Francisco City Hall on Dec. 5, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136031"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers observe a protest against&nbsp;"killer robots" at San Francisco City Hall on Dec. 5, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136031"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers observe a protest against&nbsp;&#8220;killer robots&#8221; at San Francisco City Hall on Dec. 5, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Some city leaders are skeptical that the police department’s increased spending can be attributed to overtime and retention pay alone, however. Supervisor Hillary Ronen—who is yet undecided on the mayor’s police pay bump plan—said in a text message to The Standard that she is skeptical that the department is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/political-turbulence-ahead-for-breeds-27m-police-overtime-bill/">using its funds effectively</a>.&nbsp;

Some city leaders are skeptical that the police department’s increased spending can be attributed to overtime and retention pay alone, however. Supervisor Hillary Ronen—who is yet undecided on the mayor’s police pay bump plan—said in a text message to The Standard that she is skeptical that the department is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/political-turbulence-ahead-for-breeds-27m-police-overtime-bill/">using its funds effectively</a>.&nbsp;

“Why are they overspending when over 15,000 calls for services have been diverted from the police to the fire and health departments? If we grant these additional funds, are they going to continue overspending, or do they have a plan to live within their annual budget [of around $800 million]?” Ronen wrote.&nbsp;

“Why are they overspending when over 15,000 calls for services have been diverted from the police to the fire and health departments? If we grant these additional funds, are they going to continue overspending, or do they have a plan to live within their annual budget [of around $800 million]?” Ronen wrote.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston is one of the budget supplemental’s biggest detractors, calling into question how the police department handled spending in wake of previous years’ police budget increases.

Supervisor Dean Preston is one of the budget supplemental’s biggest detractors, calling into question how the police department handled spending in wake of previous years’ police budget increases.

“It is preposterous that a department that got bonuses, raises, and a $50 million budget increase last summer—would come back seven months later for an additional $27.6 million,” Preston said in a statement earlier in March.&nbsp;

“It is preposterous that a department that got bonuses, raises, and a $50 million budget increase last summer—would come back seven months later for an additional $27.6 million,” Preston said in a statement earlier in March.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-political-turbulence">Growing Political Turbulence</h2>

<h2 id="h-growing-political-turbulence">Growing Political Turbulence</h2>

Though Breed’s plan has garnered support from District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/san-francisco-homelessness-nonprofit-urban-alchemy-approach-legit/">Urban Alchemy</a> leadership and the Board of Supervisors’ moderate wing, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-mayor-supervisors-set-for-showdown-over-police-funding/">political skirmish is brewing</a> in City Hall as some supervisors voice strong opposition to Breed’s agenda.&nbsp;

Though Breed’s plan has garnered support from District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/san-francisco-homelessness-nonprofit-urban-alchemy-approach-legit/">Urban Alchemy</a> leadership and the Board of Supervisors’ moderate wing, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-mayor-supervisors-set-for-showdown-over-police-funding/">political skirmish is brewing</a> in City Hall as some supervisors voice strong opposition to Breed’s agenda.&nbsp;

Supervisor Connie Chan unveiled a contrasting vision for the city’s budget on March 3, laying out a plan that did not prioritize efforts to get more police on the streets or to fund the police department more. Budget committee meetings to consider Breed’s agenda were pushed back to March 15, signaling growing tension in City Hall surrounding the mayor’s contentious bill.&nbsp;

Supervisor Connie Chan unveiled a contrasting vision for the city’s budget on March 3, laying out a plan that did not prioritize efforts to get more police on the streets or to fund the police department more. Budget committee meetings to consider Breed’s agenda were pushed back to March 15, signaling growing tension in City Hall surrounding the mayor’s contentious bill.&nbsp;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">Mayor Breed Pushes $27M Police Overtime Bill, Slams ‘Obstructionist’ Board</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">Mayor Breed Pushes $27M Police Overtime Bill, Slams ‘Obstructionist’ Board</a>

San Francisco Police Chief William “Bill” Scott speaks to members of the press during a press conference at SFPD headquarters at 1251 3rd Street, San Francisco, Calif., on Monday October 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief William &#8220;Bill&#8221;&nbsp;Scott speaks to the press at SFPD headquarters on Oct. 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief William "Bill"&nbsp;Scott speaks to the press at SFPD headquarters on Oct. 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_MoreCashLessHoursSFPD.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief William &#8220;Bill&#8221;&nbsp;Scott speaks to the press at SFPD headquarters on Oct. 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The $27.6 million supplemental budget requires eight supervisor votes to win approval. Supervisors Joel Engardio, Catherine Stefani, Rafael Mandelman and Dorsey co-sponsored the addition and Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Ahsha Safaí have previously voiced support for the bill.  

The $27.6 million supplemental budget requires eight supervisor votes to win approval. Supervisors Joel Engardio, Catherine Stefani, Rafael Mandelman and Dorsey co-sponsored the addition and Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Ahsha Safaí have previously voiced support for the bill.

“We cannot afford to continue to put the safety of San Franciscans and visitors at risk,” Stefani said in a press release. “With a 600-officer shortfall that continues to grow, adequate staffing will allow officers to respond to calls and engage in proactive policing [&#8230;] SFPD needs this emergency funding—now.”

“We cannot afford to continue to put the safety of San Franciscans and visitors at risk,” Stefani said in a press release. “With a 600-officer shortfall that continues to grow, adequate staffing will allow officers to respond to calls and engage in proactive policing [...] SFPD needs this emergency funding—now.”

“We cannot afford to continue to put the safety of San Franciscans and visitors at risk,” Stefani said in a press release. “With a 600-officer shortfall that continues to grow, adequate staffing will allow officers to respond to calls and engage in proactive policing [&#8230;] SFPD needs this emergency funding—now.”

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

Joe Burn

The San Francisco Police Department is flaunting its technological powers over car thieves in a flashy drone video — complete with embellished camera zoom sound effects and a soundtrack fit for NBC&#8217;s Law &amp; Order.

The San Francisco Police Department is flaunting its technological powers over car thieves in a flashy drone video — complete with embellished camera zoom sound effects and a soundtrack fit for NBC's Law &amp; Order.

The San Francisco Police Department is flaunting its technological powers over car thieves in a flashy drone video — complete with embellished camera zoom sound effects and a soundtrack fit for NBC&#8217;s Law &amp; Order.

Released Thursday morning, the video shows drones following a suspected crew of &#8220;bippers,&#8221; local slang for someone who smashes into vehicles and steals belongings from inside.

Released Thursday morning, the video shows drones following a suspected crew of "bippers," local slang for someone who smashes into vehicles and steals belongings from inside.

Released Thursday morning, the video shows drones following a suspected crew of &#8220;bippers,&#8221; local slang for someone who smashes into vehicles and steals belongings from inside.

The video also credits license-plate-reader technology: Police are using Flock cameras to follow suspicious vehicles around the city and wait for the perfect time to pounce.

The video also credits license-plate-reader technology: Police are using Flock cameras to follow suspicious vehicles around the city and wait for the perfect time to pounce.

In the Aug. 22 incident captured on the video, the Flock camera alerted police to a red Hyundai that had been suspected of use in an auto burglary a day earlier.

In the Aug. 22 incident captured on the video, the Flock camera alerted police to a red Hyundai that had been suspected of use in an auto burglary a day earlier.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/0v-8zygspce-gcti.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department released a flashy new drone video. It shows three suspects breaking into cars near the Embarcadero. </figcaption></figure>

Officers deployed the drone and watched from above as the Hyundai pulled into a parking lot near the Embarcadero. In the video, a hooded figure emerges from the vehicle and smashes into a black SUV with Nevada plates, retrieving three suitcases with help from another hooded suspect. As the two head back to the Hyundai, one is seen wrestling with the luggage for space in the back seat.

Officers deployed the drone and watched from above as the Hyundai pulled into a parking lot near the Embarcadero. In the video, a hooded figure emerges from the vehicle and smashes into a black SUV with Nevada plates, retrieving three suitcases with help from another hooded suspect. As the two head back to the Hyundai, one is seen wrestling with the luggage for space in the back seat.

Video: SF cops use drones to catch bippers on dirt bikes and bust up sideshows

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The drone followed the vehicle, &#8220;avoiding a chase,&#8221; police said, before officers deployed spikes and arrested three suspects. All three had loaded firearms, police said. The stolen luggage was returned to its owners.

The drone followed the vehicle, "avoiding a chase," police said, before officers deployed spikes and arrested three suspects. All three had loaded firearms, police said. The stolen luggage was returned to its owners.

The drone followed the vehicle, &#8220;avoiding a chase,&#8221; police said, before officers deployed spikes and arrested three suspects. All three had loaded firearms, police said. The stolen luggage was returned to its owners.

Auto burglary offenses in San Francisco have dropped 56% over the past 12 months. However, crime remains prevalent, with more than 11,000 incidents recorded citywide in the 12 months to Tuesday, according to police incident data analyzed by The Standard. There were more than 23,000 incidents the previous year, according to The Standard&#8217;s analysis.

Auto burglary offenses in San Francisco have dropped 56% over the past 12 months. However, crime remains prevalent, with more than 11,000 incidents recorded citywide in the 12 months to Tuesday, according to police incident data analyzed by The Standard. There were more than 23,000 incidents the previous year, according to The Standard's analysis.

Auto burglary offenses in San Francisco have dropped 56% over the past 12 months. However, crime remains prevalent, with more than 11,000 incidents recorded citywide in the 12 months to Tuesday, according to police incident data analyzed by The Standard. There were more than 23,000 incidents the previous year, according to The Standard&#8217;s analysis.

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) arrested three armed auto burglars last week with the assistance of SFPD’s Drone + ALPR.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1406" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/screenshot-2024-08-29-at-10-56-57-am-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a black hoodie and gloves is breaking into a car by smashing the driver's side window with a hand tool, with a red car parked nearby." class="wp-image-305941"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) arrested three armed auto burglars last week with the assistance of SFPD’s Drone + ALPR.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/screenshot-2024-08-29-at-10-56-57-am-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a black hoodie and gloves is breaking into a car by smashing the driver's side window with a hand tool, with a red car parked nearby." class="wp-image-305941"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) arrested three armed auto burglars last week with the assistance of SFPD’s Drone + ALPR.</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1829204304865202379">reposted the video on X</a>, writing, &#8220;SFPD&#8217;s new technology is helping to lead to arrests all across our city. &#8230; This is the kind of change our voters delivered when they approved Prop. E.&#8221;

Mayor London Breed <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1829204304865202379">reposted the video on X</a>, writing, "SFPD's new technology is helping to lead to arrests all across our city. ... This is the kind of change our voters delivered when they approved Prop. E."

Mayor London Breed <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1829204304865202379">reposted the video on X</a>, writing, &#8220;SFPD&#8217;s new technology is helping to lead to arrests all across our city. &#8230; This is the kind of change our voters delivered when they approved Prop. E.&#8221;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Prop. E</a>, a ballot measure approved by voters in March, gave SFPD expanded surveillance powers, including the use of drones.

Voters approve Prop. E, giving more powers to San Francisco police

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Prop. E</a>, a ballot measure approved by voters in March, gave SFPD expanded surveillance powers, including the use of drones.

Cops show off new tech in flashy drone video of car break-in arrest

Han Li

A woman suspected of pushing a Chinese immigrant to her death is facing criminal charges more than a year after San Francisco police deemed the incident an accident.

A woman suspected of pushing a Chinese immigrant to her death is facing criminal charges more than a year after San Francisco police deemed the incident an accident.

Thea Hopkins, 44, has been charged with assault and battery resulting in great bodily injury in connection with the July 3, 2023, incident on Third Street in the Bayview, the San Francisco district attorney’s office announced Wednesday. Hopkins is accused of shoving 63-year-old Yanfang Wu to the ground near a bus stop, causing her to hit her head. Wu died two days later.

Thea Hopkins, 44, has been charged with assault and battery resulting in great bodily injury in connection with the July 3, 2023, incident on Third Street in the Bayview, the San Francisco district attorney’s office announced Wednesday. Hopkins is accused of shoving 63-year-old Yanfang Wu to the ground near a bus stop, causing her to hit her head. Wu died two days later.

Prosecutors will not pursue murder or manslaughter, as they &#8220;did not have the evidence to show that there was an intent to kill or a conscious disregard for life,&#8221; the office said.

Prosecutors will not pursue murder or manslaughter, as they "did not have the evidence to show that there was an intent to kill or a conscious disregard for life," the office said.

Prosecutors will not pursue murder or manslaughter, as they &#8220;did not have the evidence to show that there was an intent to kill or a conscious disregard for life,&#8221; the office said.

The case sparked a political firestorm and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/yanfang-wu-husband-return-china-wife-death-bayview/">media frenzy</a> after the San Francisco Police Department ruled it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/21/san-francisco-bayview-woman-push-death-accident/">an “accident”</a> and closed it. In March, The Standard reported that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/thea-hopkins-san-francisco-bayview-attack-asian-female/">Hopkins had allegedly pushed another elderly Chinese woman</a>, and soon the police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/11/video-push-yanfang-wu-thea-hopkins/">reopened</a> the case based on new evidence. The development prompted the Asian American community, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/17/san-francisco-police-chief-to-release-video-of-63-year-old-asian-womans-death/">Mayor London Breed</a>, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/20/san-francisco-yanfang-wu-political-fight-jenkins-peskin/">Board of Supervisors</a> to demand the release of surveillance video evidence.

After his wife&#8217;s accidental death, a San Francisco man wants to move back to China

Push that killed 63-year-old San Francisco woman likely an accident

Suspect in attack on Asian woman, 71, linked to fatal 2023 incident, sources say

SFPD reopens case of 63-year-old Asian woman pushed to death on sidewalk in 2023

San Francisco police chief to release video of 63-year-old Asian woman&#8217;s death

An Asian woman was pushed to death. Nine months later, politicians are fighting about it

The case sparked a political firestorm and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/yanfang-wu-husband-return-china-wife-death-bayview/">media frenzy</a> after the San Francisco Police Department ruled it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/21/san-francisco-bayview-woman-push-death-accident/">an “accident”</a> and closed it. In March, The Standard reported that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/thea-hopkins-san-francisco-bayview-attack-asian-female/">Hopkins had allegedly pushed another elderly Chinese woman</a>, and soon the police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/11/video-push-yanfang-wu-thea-hopkins/">reopened</a> the case based on new evidence. The development prompted the Asian American community, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/17/san-francisco-police-chief-to-release-video-of-63-year-old-asian-womans-death/">Mayor London Breed</a>, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/20/san-francisco-yanfang-wu-political-fight-jenkins-peskin/">Board of Supervisors</a> to demand the release of surveillance video evidence.

San Francisco police detain suspect in fatal pushing of 63-year-old woman

After his wife’s accidental death, a San Francisco man wants to move back to China

The charges come more than 17 months after Wu’s death.

The charges come more than 17 months after Wu’s death.

&#8220;I would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for their thorough investigation,&#8221;&nbsp; District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. &#8220;I would also like to thank the public for their patience as the investigation unfolded and trust in my office to make an appropriate charging decision based on the facts and the law.&#8221;

"I would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for their thorough investigation,"&nbsp; District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. "I would also like to thank the public for their patience as the investigation unfolded and trust in my office to make an appropriate charging decision based on the facts and the law."

&#8220;I would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for their thorough investigation,&#8221;&nbsp; District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. &#8220;I would also like to thank the public for their patience as the investigation unfolded and trust in my office to make an appropriate charging decision based on the facts and the law.&#8221;

Hopkins was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. She remained in custody.

Hopkins was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. She remained in custody.

Kathleen Natividad, a deputy public defender representing Hopkins, has previously denied that the 2023 incident was criminal, emphasizing that law enforcement had carefully reviewed the evidence and deemed it an accident.

Kathleen Natividad, a deputy public defender representing Hopkins, has previously denied that the 2023 incident was criminal, emphasizing that law enforcement had carefully reviewed the evidence and deemed it an accident.

“While we understand that the circumstances of these recent allegations are upsetting, it is disheartening to hear false assumptions being made against Ms. Hopkins, who is also a vulnerable person in the community,” Natividad said in a March statement.

“While we understand that the circumstances of these recent allegations are upsetting, it is disheartening to hear false assumptions being made against Ms. Hopkins, who is also a vulnerable person in the community,” Natividad said in a March statement.

Suspect charged in shoving incident that led to 63-year-old woman’s death

Jonah Owen Lamb

The Standard on Friday obtained the missing-person report on Luigi Mangione, raising new questions about when law enforcement first suspected he might be the killer of UnitedHealthcare&#8217;s CEO.

The Standard on Friday obtained the missing-person report on Luigi Mangione, raising new questions about when law enforcement first suspected he might be the killer of UnitedHealthcare's CEO.

The Standard on Friday obtained the missing-person report on Luigi Mangione, raising new questions about when law enforcement first suspected he might be the killer of UnitedHealthcare&#8217;s CEO.

Kathleen Mangione, the suspect&#8217;s mother, filed the report Nov. 18 and told the San Francisco Police Department she last spoke to her son in July. Police sources say they passed the report to the FBI last week.

Kathleen Mangione, the suspect's mother, filed the report Nov. 18 and told the San Francisco Police Department she last spoke to her son in July. Police sources say they passed the report to the FBI last week.

Kathleen Mangione, the suspect&#8217;s mother, filed the report Nov. 18 and told the San Francisco Police Department she last spoke to her son in July. Police sources say they passed the report to the FBI last week.

Mangione told police her son worked at the now-closed company TrueCar in San Francisco, and she did not know what locations he “frequented.”

Mangione told police her son worked at the now-closed company TrueCar in San Francisco, and she did not know what locations he “frequented.”

The Nov. 18 bulletin has a photo of a smiling Mangione.

The Nov. 18 bulletin has a photo of a smiling Mangione.

A screenshot of Luigi Mangione's missing person bulletin which was  reported on Nov. 18, 2024. Mangione was arrested in connection with the death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of the American health insurance company UnitedHealthcare. On Dec.4, a masked person shot and killed Thompson December in New York City.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mangione.jpg?w=2500" alt="A missing person report shows a 26-year-old male named Luigi Nicholas Mangione with brown hair and eyes, 5'10&quot; tall, and weighing 135 lbs. A smiling photo is included." class="wp-image-343582"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of Luigi Mangione&#8217;s missing-person bulletin. Mangione was arrested Dec. 9 in connection with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mangione.jpg?w=2500" alt="A missing person report shows a 26-year-old male named Luigi Nicholas Mangione with brown hair and eyes, 5'10&quot; tall, and weighing 135 lbs. A smiling photo is included." class="wp-image-343582"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of Luigi Mangione's missing-person bulletin. Mangione was arrested Dec. 9 in connection with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mangione.jpg?w=2500" alt="A missing person report shows a 26-year-old male named Luigi Nicholas Mangione with brown hair and eyes, 5'10&quot; tall, and weighing 135 lbs. A smiling photo is included." class="wp-image-343582"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of Luigi Mangione&#8217;s missing-person bulletin. Mangione was arrested Dec. 9 in connection with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.</figcaption></figure>

Days before the Dec. 9 arrest of Mangione at a Pennsylvania McDonald&#8217;s, San Francisco police informed the FBI they thought the as-yet-unidentified suspect in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson might be the man reported missing by Kathleen Mangione, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation.

Days before the Dec. 9 arrest of Mangione at a Pennsylvania McDonald's, San Francisco police informed the FBI they thought the as-yet-unidentified suspect in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson might be the man reported missing by Kathleen Mangione, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation.

Days before the Dec. 9 arrest of Mangione at a Pennsylvania McDonald&#8217;s, San Francisco police informed the FBI they thought the as-yet-unidentified suspect in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson might be the man reported missing by Kathleen Mangione, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation.

“This was not a name that was called into us,” Jessica Tisch, New York City&#8217;s police commissioner, told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKUEc9Fr5RU">NBC on Tuesday</a>.

“This was not a name that was called into us,” Jessica Tisch, New York City's police commissioner, told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKUEc9Fr5RU">NBC on Tuesday</a>.

“This was not a name that was called into us,” Jessica Tisch, New York City&#8217;s police commissioner, told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKUEc9Fr5RU">NBC on Tuesday</a>.

On Dec. 6, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation, San Francisco police reached out to the FBI to tell them the suspected killer looked like a man who had been reported missing in November. That FBI contact was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. In a statement, the FBI verified that SFPD sent a tip regarding Mangione&#8217;s missing person report.

On Dec. 6, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation, San Francisco police reached out to the FBI to tell them the suspected killer looked like a man who had been reported missing in November. That FBI contact was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. In a statement, the FBI verified that SFPD sent a tip regarding Mangione's missing person report.

On Dec. 6, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation, San Francisco police reached out to the FBI to tell them the suspected killer looked like a man who had been reported missing in November. That FBI contact was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. In a statement, the FBI verified that SFPD sent a tip regarding Mangione&#8217;s missing person report.

&#8220;Among multiple tips received by FBI New York from the public and law enforcement regarding the homicide in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024, a tip was received from the San Francisco Police Department regarding the possible identity of the suspect,&#8221; the FBI said in a statement. The FBI&#8217;s New York office then referred the lead, among others, to the NYPD.

"Among multiple tips received by FBI New York from the public and law enforcement regarding the homicide in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024, a tip was received from the San Francisco Police Department regarding the possible identity of the suspect," the FBI said in a statement. The FBI's New York office then referred the lead, among others, to the NYPD.

&#8220;Among multiple tips received by FBI New York from the public and law enforcement regarding the homicide in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024, a tip was received from the San Francisco Police Department regarding the possible identity of the suspect,&#8221; the FBI said in a statement. The FBI&#8217;s New York office then referred the lead, among others, to the NYPD.

&#8220;Extensive sharing of the photos by law enforcement led to the identification by a citizen and subsequent arrest by the Altoona Police Department,&#8221; the statement went on to say.

"Extensive sharing of the photos by law enforcement led to the identification by a citizen and subsequent arrest by the Altoona Police Department," the statement went on to say.

&#8220;Extensive sharing of the photos by law enforcement led to the identification by a citizen and subsequent arrest by the Altoona Police Department,&#8221; the statement went on to say.

An SFPD spokesperson referred all inquiries about the case to the NYPD, which has not responded to a request for comment.

An SFPD spokesperson referred all inquiries about the case to the NYPD, which has not responded to a request for comment.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/09/luigi-magione-unitedhealthcare-shooting-san-francisco-connections/">Mangione</a>, 26, was arraigned Monday in Pennsylvania on gun charges. Several hours later, he was charged in Manhattan with murder, according to online court records.

UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect has SF and Stanford ties

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/09/luigi-magione-unitedhealthcare-shooting-san-francisco-connections/">Mangione</a>, 26, was arraigned Monday in Pennsylvania on gun charges. Several hours later, he was charged in Manhattan with murder, according to online court records.

New York police officials said Mangione&nbsp;was born and raised in Maryland, with ties to San Francisco, and lived until recently in Honolulu.

New York police officials said Mangione&nbsp;was born and raised in Maryland, with ties to San Francisco, and lived until recently in Honolulu.

Luigi Mangione’s missing-person report: See what SFPD gave to the FBI

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie on Thursday announced a key hire to oversee public safety policy.

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie on Thursday announced a key hire to oversee public safety policy.

Paul Yep, a former San Francisco Police Department commander and, most recently, vice president at Academy of Art University overseeing campus safety, will serve as the city’s first chief of public safety. Yep will be the mayor’s liaison with law enforcement agencies and other departments, focusing on neighborhood safety, street behavior, and emergency preparedness and response.

Paul Yep, a former San Francisco Police Department commander and, most recently, vice president at Academy of Art University overseeing campus safety, will serve as the city’s first chief of public safety. Yep will be the mayor’s liaison with law enforcement agencies and other departments, focusing on neighborhood safety, street behavior, and emergency preparedness and response.

During his campaign, Lurie emphasized public safety as his highest priority.&nbsp;&#8220;There is no one better for this critical job,&#8221; he said of Yep.

During his campaign, Lurie emphasized public safety as his highest priority.&nbsp;"There is no one better for this critical job," he said of Yep.

During his campaign, Lurie emphasized public safety as his highest priority.&nbsp;&#8220;There is no one better for this critical job,&#8221; he said of Yep.

Lurie will be sworn in as mayor Jan. 8 and will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/30/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-inauguration-chinatown/">celebrate in Chinatown</a>.

Daniel Lurie to take over Chinatown for celebrations on first day as mayor

Lurie will be sworn in as mayor Jan. 8 and will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/30/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-inauguration-chinatown/">celebrate in Chinatown</a>.

San Francisco Police Capt. Paul Yep, gives a presentation detailing Central Station's makeup and effectiveness during a police commission meeting at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. Discussed were crimes in the vicinity of Russian Hill and the curvy section of Lombard Street.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-1298838137.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police officer in uniform speaks into a microphone at a wooden podium, holding papers. He wears a badge and radio on his chest." class="wp-image-349868"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yep has strong ties to the Chinese community since his time as captain of the SFPD’s Central Station.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-1298838137.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police officer in uniform speaks into a microphone at a wooden podium, holding papers. He wears a badge and radio on his chest." class="wp-image-349868"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yep has strong ties to the Chinese community since his time as captain of the SFPD’s Central Station.</figcaption></figure>

Yep was one of the most prominent early supporters of Lurie and later joined his transition team. Yep previously <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7m9wk5.s9/86a8488e">told The Standard</a> he was interested in playing a role in Lurie’s office.

Yep was one of the most prominent early supporters of Lurie and later joined his transition team. Yep previously <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7m9wk5.s9/86a8488e">told The Standard</a> he was interested in playing a role in Lurie’s office.

&#8220;I am honored to join Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie&#8217;s team,&#8221; said Yep. &#8220;I look forward to leveraging my experience to help the mayor-elect&#8217;s team execute his vision for building stronger and safer communities across our city.&#8221;

"I am honored to join Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie's team," said Yep. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to help the mayor-elect's team execute his vision for building stronger and safer communities across our city."

&#8220;I am honored to join Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie&#8217;s team,&#8221; said Yep. &#8220;I look forward to leveraging my experience to help the mayor-elect&#8217;s team execute his vision for building stronger and safer communities across our city.&#8221;

The public safety chief will serve as the mayor’s point person with the San Francisco Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, the SF Fire Department, juvenile probation, the sheriff&#8217;s inspector general, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, as well as the district attorney and public defender.

The public safety chief will serve as the mayor’s point person with the San Francisco Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, the SF Fire Department, juvenile probation, the sheriff's inspector general, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, as well as the district attorney and public defender.

The public safety chief will serve as the mayor’s point person with the San Francisco Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, the SF Fire Department, juvenile probation, the sheriff&#8217;s inspector general, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, as well as the district attorney and public defender.

Yep has strong ties to the Chinese American community since his time as captain of the SFPD’s Central Station, which covers Chinatown and downtown. Community members once lobbied for his promotion to chief. He retired in 2023 after serving more than 28 years with the SFPD. Wind Newspaper <a href="https://www.windnewspaper.com/article/2-high-ranking-chinese-american-officers-retire-early-from-sfpd-the-community-shocked-and-worried">reported that Yep retired early due to dissatisfaction with promotion opportunities</a>.

Yep has strong ties to the Chinese American community since his time as captain of the SFPD’s Central Station, which covers Chinatown and downtown. Community members once lobbied for his promotion to chief. He retired in 2023 after serving more than 28 years with the SFPD. Wind Newspaper <a href="https://www.windnewspaper.com/article/2-high-ranking-chinese-american-officers-retire-early-from-sfpd-the-community-shocked-and-worried">reported that Yep retired early due to dissatisfaction with promotion opportunities</a>.

In 2020, Mayor London Breed created the position of public safety and criminal justice policy adviser. Lurie has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/11/daniel-luries-san-francisco-mayor-reorganization/">restructured the office</a> to include multiple chief positions, including roles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/17/ned-segal-san-francisco-housing-economic-development/">overseeing housing and economic policy</a>.

Lurie plans big shake-up of mayor&#8217;s office, adding more policy chiefs

Lurie taps ex-Twitter CFO to take charge of SF&#8217;s downtown, housing crises

In 2020, Mayor London Breed created the position of public safety and criminal justice policy adviser. Lurie has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/11/daniel-luries-san-francisco-mayor-reorganization/">restructured the office</a> to include multiple chief positions, including roles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/17/ned-segal-san-francisco-housing-economic-development/">overseeing housing and economic policy</a>.

Search Results for: san francisco police department

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