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SFPD reports mixed crime trends; commission presses for community engagement, cold‑case DNA work
Summary
At the March 2009 Police Commission meeting, SFPD officials described year‑to‑date drops in several crime categories but noted sharp increases in acquaintance sexual assaults and juvenile victims; commissioners pressed for district-level outreach, staffing and details on arrests and clearances.
San Francisco — San Francisco Police Department officials told the Police Commission on March 25 that overall crime figures show notable year‑to‑date declines in several categories, but stressed worrying increases in reported sexual assaults — particularly those classified as ‘acquaintance’ assaults — and in juvenile victims.
"The acquaintance type **** is the majority of what we see in these type of ****** assaults," the department presenter said, and confirmed the acquaintance category includes domestic‑violence cases. Commissioners asked for a racial and relationship breakdown after seeing large percentage increases for Latino, Asian and African‑American female victims.
The department described new investigative steps aimed at improving clearances for violent crimes and sexual assaults. "We have developed a cold case unit that meets Monday, every Monday, specifically on on ****** assaults," the presenter said, and noted the department has begun using John Doe warrants "based on the evidence, DNA evidence, even though we do not have a match," which toll statutes of limitation for older cases. The presenter added that Prop 69’s expansion of the DNA database should increase CODIS hits.
On homicides, SFPD gave mixed figures: clearance rates for 2008 and 2007 were cited near the mid‑30s percentage range, with the presenter saying year‑to‑date February 2009 clearances were about 45 percent. When asked how that compared nationally, the presenter said, "Not favorably... I think the national average is about 60." Commissioners pressed for the number of actual arrests and how many suspects remain at large; the presenter said she did not have specific arrest counts but would provide them on request.
Commissioners and staff highlighted community engagement as central to improving reporting and investigations. One commissioner asked for "a plan, a multi stage plan" explaining what the department will do at district and command levels to build trust so witnesses will come forward. The department pointed to expanded foot beats and a zone model pilot beginning April 1, saying officers will be reallocated when crime migrates outside zone boundaries.
Weapons and officer safety were also discussed. The presenter said gun seizures increased about 13 percent from 2007 to 2008 and that many seized guns are "assault type rifles." On protective gear, the presenter said Level‑3 ballistic vests exist but are bulky and issued only in limited numbers when needed, and that patrol carbines have been distributed to some units.
Staffing in investigative units remains a constraint: the department said it is approximately 20 percent down in the investigations bureau and that Civil Service/Human Resources reclassification and related litigation have delayed moving sergeants into bureau roles. The department said alternative transfers are being explored.
Public commenters called attention to other topics, including automobile‑theft reporting and the consequences of San Francisco’s vehicle auction practices, and questioned the consultant PERF’s role in recommending reforms.
Next steps: commissioners asked the department to return with (1) arrest and suspect counts for sexual assaults and homicides, (2) a breakdown of acquaintance‑assailant relationships by race where available, and (3) a staffing plan and timetable for bolstering the investigative bureau.
