Interim report on foot patrols urges targeted, sustained beats and improved data tracking

Consultants for the city presented an interim report Dec. 12 on San Francisco—s foot-patrol pilot, summarizing national and international comparisons and recommending sustained, well-planned beats tied to clear goals, training and reliable data collection.

Project director Kim Craven and Rick Bailey described comparison findings from Newark, Flint, Boston, Baltimore, Denver and Knoxville. The consultants said foot beats tend to improve public perceptions of safety and, when implemented consistently and with staffing commitment, can reduce some crimes and free up sector cars by handling low-level calls locally.

"Success is based on a number of things," Rick Bailey told commissioners, listing measured crime reduction, improved public interaction and community involvement as indicators. The report highlighted that short-term or grant-funded efforts often fade when staffing or budget priorities change.

For San Francisco the team compiled baseline data (February–June 2007), CAD and calls-for-service analysis, and community surveys including telephone and online responses. The consultants said their final report will map implementation details, staffing levels, training elements and recommended criteria for locating and sustaining beats; they said they will offer operational guidance rather than block-level mandates.

Commissioners and community members asked for more clarity on matching officers to beats, cultural competency training, and whether patrol specialists or cadets could be integrated to extend coverage. Comptroller—s Office representative Karina Monsson said the final report will be shared with the steering committee on Jan. 15; the commission will review the final recommendations in January.

Next steps: consultants will present a final report after steering-committee review; the commission will use the findings to set policy criteria and to instruct the department on beat locations and staffing priorities.