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SFPD to pilot "Safe Place" decals in Mission and Bayview; Target pledges startup funding
Summary
SFPD announced a Safe Place initiative adapted from Seattle to identify businesses, schools and faith groups that can offer assistance to people who feel threatened; pilot set for Feb. 1, 2018 in Mission and Bayview and Target pledged $2,500 toward initial rollout.
Commander David Lazar briefed the commission on a new Safe Place program the San Francisco Police Department plans to pilot beginning Feb. 1, 2018 in the Mission and Bayview districts. The program, adapted from a Seattle model, will place a 4-by-6 purple decal with a "Safe Place" symbol in participating businesses, schools and faith-based organizations to signal that staff can provide immediate assistance or contact police if someone feels threatened.
Lieutenant Yolanda Williams will lead the liaison effort for the Community Engagement Division, Commander Lazar said. The rollout will occur in four phases: schools, community facilities, businesses and faith-based organizations; the department plans internal briefings for officers, outreach to merchants and stakeholders, and public messaging via billboards and social media. The department also said it will look for grant funding and donations to expand the program after the pilot.
The commission approved a separate consent item for Target gift cards but SFPD noted a separate verbal pledge from Target of $2,500 to start the Safe Place program; the department said the funding will be the subject of a future consent item for formal acceptance.
Commissioners praised the program and offered help connecting potential partners; the department said it expects to revise rollout plans based on pilot surveys and community feedback and to present results ahead of a broader citywide expansion in fall 2018.
