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SFPD chief reports drops in major crimes and that three officers injured in Halloween crash are expected to recover
Summary
Chief Greg Serb told the Police Commission that violent crime was down about 6% and property crime down about 27% in the last reporting period; he also reported a severe vehicle collision that injured three officers who are expected to survive. The chief described recent community outreach, a new Special Victims Unit and growth of community ambassadors in Mid Market.
Chief Greg Serb opened his report on November 2 with a summary of recent department activities and community engagement, and he gave the commission a terse update on crime trends and a serious officer-involved vehicle collision.
"Crime, violent crime remains down about 6%... Property crime down 27% this last reporting period," Chief Serb said, summarizing the department—s recent performances. He listed several community and outreach items including a visiting delegation from China, the Mid Market activity tied to a Sixth Street lease, openings such as the Special Victims Unit at the Hall of Justice, and participation in safety events such as a citywide earthquake drill and Halloween operations.
The chief described a severe vehicle collision that occurred while officers were responding code 3 to a reported knife fight on 20 Fourth Street on Halloween night. He said three officers were seriously injured after their vehicle struck a median and a telephone pole. "All 3 officers miraculously... will all survive," he said, noting one officer had a fractured skull and internal injuries and others suffered concussions and eardrum damage.
Chief Serb also described the expansion of a community ambassador program into Mid Market that he said will provide "additional eyes on the street." He said the department has not deployed officers to Oakland in response to recent events there but would respond under mutual aid if requested and available.
During public comment, callers raised concerns about the Patrol Specials program. One caller alleged repeated false arrests and asked when the program would be ended; the commission did not take immediate action on that request. Carla Gottschalk, counsel for Occupy SF, told the commission that officers removed a tent and that the removal violated an oral agreement: "Today's breaking of our agreement, our oral agreement to work together should be addressed by this August commission," she said.
Next steps: Commissioners requested updates on language-access implementation and scheduled that discussion for the following week. The commission moved into closed session later in the agenda to address pending litigation items.
