Interim SFPD chief reports year-to-date drops in major crimes but flags a weekly robbery spike; department launches homicide reward outreach

Interim Chief Paul Yip presented SFPD’s weekly crime report to the Police Commission on Nov. 5, reporting year-to-date declines in several major categories while flagging a recent, concentrated increase in robberies.

“Overall Part 1 crimes are down 26% year to date compared to 2024,” Chief Yip said, and he listed declines including violent crimes down 18% and rapes down 16%. At the same time, Yip told commissioners that robberies for the week were an outlier: “Robberies are up 104% from 23 to 47 this week,” and he said investigators and operations bureaus were examining patterns and would adjust operations if a trend emerged.

The chief also described recent significant incidents handled by the department: a Halloween evening shooting in the Northern District with a stable-condition victim, an October 4 fatal hit-and-run (vehicle subsequently located and a person arrested), and several arrests following a multiagency retail-theft operation at Stonestown Mall and a Walgreens in West Portal. The Stonestown operation, Yip said, resulted in multiple reports including three warrant arrests, six misdemeanor violations and one felony charge with an enhancement.

Homicide reward outreach: In response to public requests and recent commentary from family members, Yip said SFPD’s Community Engagement Division and Strategic Communications created a flyer and media campaign called "You Can Help 2," and issued a press release explaining ordinance updates and how to submit new information on cold-case homicides. The effort, he said, is intended to publicize changes and encourage witnesses to come forward.

Public response and victim testimony: Family members and attendees responded during public comment. Paulette Brown, who identified herself as the mother of a homicide victim, thanked staff for assistance and urged the commission to circulate the reward materials broadly; she gave her son’s case number and said she would continue to seek justice. The commission provided an anonymous 24/7 tips line number for anyone with information.

What the commission heard: Commissioners praised officers and the department’s outreach while asking follow-up questions about patterns in gun violence and the spike in robberies. Chief Yip said the department will task investigations and operations to identify patterns and adjust deployments as needed.

Next steps: The department will continue to monitor the weekly statistics, provide follow-up reports if patterns are identified, and proceed with public outreach for the homicide reward program.