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Supervisors to seek language prioritizing disaster preparedness as public presses limits on Urban Shield funding
Summary
Supervisor Avalos and public commenters urged placing guardrails on UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative) funding to prioritize disaster preparedness and prevent use for Urban Shield policing activities; city staff said UASI has funded preparedness programs but the resolution to apply for FY2016 grant was forwarded to the full Board for further language work.
Supervisor John Avalos raised concerns that UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative) funds have in other jurisdictions been used for Urban Shield activities and the ‘‘militarization’’ of policing. Avalos asked whether the committee could put language in the resolution to prioritize risk‑management planning, neighborhood disaster preparedness and recovery rather than SWAT training and weapons expos.
Francis Morris of the Department of Emergency Management and other staff told the committee that UASI funds have supported preparedness initiatives in San Francisco (for example SF72 and related programs) and that some funds have been used for preparedness training and exercises. Morris and staff said they are available to answer questions and that the funds can be used for both counter‑terrorism and other hazard preparedness activities within the UASI guidance.
Multiple public commenters pressed the Board for explicit restrictions. Stephen McNeil (American Friends Service Committee) said youth in his program reported SWAT raids at home and called for funding to prioritize natural disaster response and recovery. Lara Kiswani of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center and a member of Stop Urban Shield urged the committee to incorporate language that stipulates emergency response and to require Board approval before any Urban Shield‑style activities are funded. Omar Ali and other speakers described Alameda County’s Urban Shield expenditures and urged the Board to require heightened oversight and Board review before SWAT trainings, weapons purchases or related exercises are approved.
Supervisor Avalos said he has asked the Deputy City Attorney to draft language and that the committee should expect further discussion before the item returns to the full Board. Supervisor Tang moved the resolution forward with the understanding that language and amendments would be discussed and developed prior to full Board action; the motion passed without objection.
Next steps: staff indicated they will return with potential amendment language; the resolution to apply for the UASI grant will be on the full Board agenda with committee direction to pursue clearer prioritization language.
