Focus Topic: Public Safety Concerns in Hayes Valley During COVID-19
Panel:
- Captain Joe Engler, SFPD Northern Station
- Art Campos, SF SAFE
- Toni Powell, San Francisco Juvenile Probation
- Kyle Smeallie, Legislative Aide District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston
Summary:
Captain Engler talked about the difficult times. While crime stats are down these are tough times for the police officers. Crime these days is less organized which makes it harder to police. Car break-ins are occurring less at typical hot spots like Alamo Square and Palace of Fine Arts—primarily due to the current decline of tourism. Crimes against merchants is present in Hayes Valley. SFPD hands are tied regarding the tents showing up. Kyle confirmed there is a city wide decision to not to try to move the tents out.
One question posed to all principals—“should you confront people who are not properly social distancing?” Unanimous response by all “no, no no”. There was a follow up of examples of people who are deciding to engage which only creates rage.
Another question was posed about the theft of packages from a porches and mailboxes. An email was read from Sgt James O’Malley from Northern Station who had recently arrested a person with a lot of packages. Some were returned to their original location. The questioner was put in touch Supervisor Preston’s Office. Kyle also offered additional services to people of Hayes Valley using Supervisor Preston’s Office.
Art Campos of SF SAFE talked about the services they provide to merchants regarding burglaries. SF SAFE has specialists ready to help the merchants affected.
Toni Powell of San Francisco Juvenile Probation talked about the tough times for the youths in our neighborhoods. It was suggested we have future discussions. It has now been arranged for the Chief of Juvenile Probation, Katherine Miller, to be on the June 1 on-line Public Safety meeting.
Attendance count: approx 62
Attendance count: approx 25