S.F. police chief reports year‑to‑date crime declines, outlines guidance for encounters with federal immigration enforcement

Chief William Yip of the San Francisco Police Department opened the commission—s Sept. 3 meeting with a summary of recent crime trends, saying overall crime is down 27% year to date and that the department has issued a new internal notice on how officers should respond to potential federal immigration enforcement.

The new notice, released Aug. 26 as Department Notice 25‑089, offers street‑level guidance for officers encountering federal enforcement, Yip said. He told commissioners the notice was produced with assistance from SFPD leadership and the city attorney—s office and that it is one step in a continuing departmental response; he also said the department will provide a more comprehensive reply to the Board of Supervisors. "This department notice serves as guidance for our officers at the street level," Yip said.

Why it matters: Commissioners asked whether the notice aligns with state guidance and the Board of Supervisors— resolution urging clear protocols. Yip said the notice reiterates the department—s longstanding stance that SFPD does not assist…