By Sam Hom

As I ride through the Richmond District on my ebike, it has become clear to me that our neighborhood and many others in San Francisco are under attack by criminals. Property crime, such as smash and grabs, auto burglaries, catalytic converter theft, shoplifting, and physical attacks on senior citizens, appears to have escalated in recent years. 

Quality-of-life issues arise with unabated graffiti on storefronts and homeless encampments are springing up throughout our neighborhood and City. Drug dealers and addicts have been mostly confined to the Tenderloin, but I often see people passed out on Geary Boulevard and near Ocean Beach. 

Depending on who you speak to, the reasons for the current state of our neighborhood are complex and there are no easy answers. There are some people who think crime in our City is no worse than it’s ever been and that the reporting of crime on social media is nothing but “fear mongering.” As a native San Franciscan and longtime resident of the Richmond, my perspective is that our neighborhood has changed and not for the better. Is San Francisco the dystopian city that some news media outlets have portrayed? I hardly think so, but the increase in crime cannot be ignored. 

Crime statistics do not always tell an accurate picture as many crimes are just not reported and skews the narrative of our current situation. But all you really need to do is go about our City and visually see the changes. Businesses, such as Walgreens, Safeway and Target, have many of their products locked behind glass enclosures in an attempt to prevent theft. Many conventions that were scheduled at Moscone Center have been canceled, and many tourists are not coming to San Francisco because of safety concerns. 

Every big city has crime and blight and San Francisco is no exception. But how can our City and the Richmond District return as a destination for tourists and for residents to feel safe? Again, there is no silver bullet to address these issues, but the solution demands a holistic multi-pronged approach and a strategic vision of what can be achieved. 

Recruit, Hire, Train and Fully Staff SFPD

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is presently understaffed by approximately 500 officers. According to Richmond Station Captain Chris Canning, our precinct is short 50 officers. While nobody is satisfied with the SFPD’s response time regarding property crime, SFPD with its staff shortage must triage for emergency and violent crime. Having a full complement of police officers to safeguard our City will improve response time, and the physical presence via foot patrols will be a deterrent against criminals. Increasing the number of SFPD Gang Task Force officers will also reduce street gang activity while targeting organized crime rings. SFPD officers must demonstrate good judgment, moral character and de-escalation techniques when interacting with the general public.

Arrests, Prosecution and Convictions 

A fully staffed department of police officers will increase the number of arrests so more crimes can be solved. The police must apprehend criminals, the District Attorney’s office must prosecute criminals, and Superior Court judges must sentence perpetrators appropriately based on the type of crime and whether the accused has a criminal history. We must enforce the laws that are currently on the books. 

Crime Prevention and Safety

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” What can we do as everyday residents to keep ourselves and our home safe from criminals? Here are tips from Captain Canning:

• Install lighting and security cameras at the entrance to your residence.
• Implement garage door security measures to deter break ins. 
• If your car is parked on the street, do not leave anything of value in plain view.
• Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out in the streets. Put your head on a swivel and keep your eyes open for any signs of potential trouble.
• Do not be distracted by your cell phone while walking; stay alert!
• File a police report whenever you are witness to a crime – SFPD tracks all the data and will respond by allocating more resources to high traffic crime areas.
• With the assistance of SFPD, start a SAFE Neighborhood Watch Program for your block. The more neighbors you have to watch out for signs of trouble, the safer you will be. There is strength in numbers!
• Attend monthly SFPD community meetings with your precinct captain to learn more about crime trends and safety.
• Urge your district supervisor to fund and staff more police officers.

Making a Difference

Crime has been in existence since the beginning of mankind and cannot ever be totally eliminated. However, by being “street smart,” vigilant and aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood, you can mitigate some risks to avoid becoming a victim of crime and we can have a safer neighborhood moving forward.

Sam Hom is a native San Franciscan who has lived in the Richmond District for more than 40 years. He is also a block captain for the SF Safe Neighborhood Program and a community activist.