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Neighborhoods press commission for foot patrols, limousine enforcement and channels for complaints
Summary
Several members of the public raised neighborhood safety and enforcement concerns — calling for more foot patrols in Central Station, better enforcement of limousine/taxi laws at hotels and nightclubs, and asked the commission to act on allegations of officer political interference; OCC and police offered follow-up routes.
Multiple public commenters used the Aug. 26 meeting to press the commission and the chief on local enforcement and complaint channels.
David Villalobos, who identified himself as a candidate for Supervisor in District 6 and representative of the Community Leadership Alliance, told the commission he had been targeted by a ‘‘massive email’’ from a commanding officer that condemned his candidacy. Villalobos said he had checked with the Ethics Commission and believed the conduct violated police protocol and asked the commission to address the matter.
Ernestine Weiss, a police volunteer, urged more foot patrols in the Central Station waterfront area and Ferry Park, described recurring rule violations and an ongoing nuisance she has encountered, and said quality-of-life enforcement and supervision are lacking.
Barry Toronto praised several named officers for enforcement efforts at the airport but urged the commission to investigate alleged lax enforcement of limousine and taxi laws at hotels and nightclubs, criticized some overtime arrangements and asked for more training and clearer enforcement using available MTA overtime funds.
Chief Gascon and OCC staff responded by advising complainants to bring allegations to the Office of Citizen Complaints for formal review; a lieutenant and Lieutenant Shire were asked to take contact information so investigators could follow up on individual cases, including a homicide-family follow-up request.
The public comments were heard as part of the routine public comment periods; the commission did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting but directed staff to follow up through OCC and regular departmental channels.
