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Deputy chief outlines Castro outreach and readiness for new foot-patrol law
Summary
In the chief—s report, the deputy chief briefed commissioners on department contact with community groups in the Castro following reports of assaults, encouraged neighborhood reporting and proper formation of volunteer patrols, and said the department expects to meet Jan. 1 requirements of recently passed foot-patrol legislation.
Deputy department leadership told the commission the department is coordinating with station commanders and community groups after reports of assaults in the Castro and is advising neighborhood groups on how to organize safety patrols that report incidents to police rather than acting as vigilantes.
Deputy Chief said inspectors from the bureau and Captain Goldberg (Mission/Northern station liaison referenced repeatedly in testimony) have been in contact with community members and are offering guidance on forming neighborhood safety patrols, reporting procedures and safety tips. The deputy chief acknowledged rumors and said the department is "trying to confirm" reported crimes. He asked the public to report incidents to police so investigators can follow up.
Implementation planning: Commissioners asked whether the department is preparing to implement recently passed foot-patrol legislation that takes effect Jan. 1. The deputy chief said the department expects to comply, cited an upcoming academy graduation (class 211, referenced in the transcript) that will free up officers, and said captains will be directed to staff designated beats at least two shifts per day as the legislation requires. "We will" staff foot beats and prepare to be ready by Jan. 1, the deputy chief said.
Public comment and other operational notes: Commissioners discussed holding a community meeting in the Castro and/or Mission districts to hear local concerns and increase community confidence; they directed staff to coordinate with Captain Goldberg and schedule appropriate outreach. A member of the public also raised concerns about police treatment of taxi drivers and enforcement at airport terminals.
Next steps: Department staff will follow up with commissioners on specific community meeting timing and provide an implementation briefing on the foot-patrol plan before the law takes effect.
Quotes: "I think the main issue is communication, making sure that the communities are in contact with at least the police captain," the deputy chief said.
