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Taxi drivers and victims press commission for better data and homicide follow-up
Summary
During public comment, cab-driver advocate David Schneider urged better coordination and reporting of attacks on taxi drivers; victim Paulette Brown asked for sustained investigative attention to her son's 2006 homicide. Commissioners pledged follow-up and community outreach.
Several members of the public addressed the San Francisco Police Commission on March 2, focusing on safety and case follow-up.
David Schneider, a cab driver and co-founder of United Taxicab Workers, told the commission there have been recent stabbings, robberies and assaults of cab drivers and criticized inconsistent reporting across city agencies. "There have been a number of attacks lately...Somehow of these things have fallen through the cracks, and there's not a coordination here," Schneider said, urging improved, timely reporting for the cab-driving community.
Paulette Brown, the mother of Aubrey Abacasa, who was murdered on Aug. 14, 2006, urged that her son—s homicide not be allowed to become a cold case. Brown described repeated efforts to obtain investigative updates and asked the commission to ensure a police contact follows up; commissioners and the chief—s office promised to reach out to her and Investigations to provide an update.
Other public commenters included Steve Pataki of SAU Local 101, who thanked the commission for outreach and urged specific character traits for the next chief; Morgan Guarano of the Civil Service Commission, who defended Commander Lazard—s conduct following a special meeting; and a number of residents who described local safety concerns.
Commissioners acknowledged the public comments, promised investigatory follow-up in Brown—s case and reiterated plans for further community meetings in neighborhoods affected by recent violence.
