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Residents press SFPD on Tenderloin border safety; some praise and some criticism of Northern Station
Summary
During public comment at the Police Commission’s Northern Station community meeting, residents urged joint operations at the Larkin/O'Farrell border to address drug dealing and youth safety, reported improvements in auto theft after a sticker pilot, and offered both praise and sharp criticism of the station’s community engagement.
Public comment at the June 4 Police Commission community meeting focused on neighborhood safety, policing at the boundary between the Tenderloin and Northern Station, and the quality of community outreach.
A long and emotional address by a speaker identifying as Ace criticized Northern Station’s engagement with Black residents and demanded increased outreach and accountability, saying the community has been repeatedly disrespected. In response, commissioners and Captain McEachern acknowledged the concerns and committed to further outreach and meetings with community groups.
Several speakers described safety problems along the Larkin/O’Farrell corridor that sits on the border between the Tenderloin and Northern Station. Michael Cameron, a resident, said drug-dealing and violence in that area make parents afraid to bring children to a nearby park; Miriam and Margarita (representing neighborhood groups) asked captains to work directly with residents to create a safety plan. Captain McEachern and the chief said coordinated operations with Tenderloin captains and federal partners are possible and that the district attorney’s office can help obtain stay-away orders for repeat offenders.
Other public commenters reported progress: David Villalobos, a Lower Polk business owner, praised Captain McEachern for responsiveness and more visible policing; Greg Maritani of Japantown reported an apparent drop in auto‑boost incidents after a sticker pilot, from the high 20s to single digits in recent months.
Commissioners responded to the range of comments by promising to continue community meetings, to provide outreach and contact information, and to work with the DA’s office on dispositions that reflect community priorities. The public‑comment period closed with the commission taking no formal action but promising follow-up with community groups and station leadership.
