When Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he replied, “Because that’s where the money is.” A truth so simple it’s shocking. Thinking about San Francisco’s drug and overdose epidemic caused a Willie Sutton reflection. Where can the city gain the most ground in this struggle? On the streets. That’s where the hardest hit addicts are.
In the ever-evolving theater of California’s legislative system, a new cast of bills has taken the stage—each poised to reshape the state’s approach to law enforcement and public safety. Over the past five years, there have been many California State Assembly Bills along with California Senate Bills emerging in response to policy shifts that many felt swung too far in one direction. These efforts signal a move back toward some semblance of balance—or at least an attempt.
On March 5, 2025, a celebration will take place to honor the women of the 126th and 127th academy classes—trailblazers who defied the odds, challenged negative narratives, and overcame active resistance to patrol the streets of San Francisco.
A Historic Year in Policing
If you have walked through San Francisco lately, you might have noticed a few things—like how 6th Street has become less of a street and more of an elaborate obstacle course, complete with unpredictable human hurdles and the occasional sidewalk surprise.
San Francisco—a city both celebrated for its innovation and resilience—is entering a new chapter as Daniel Lurie prepares to take the helm as Mayor-Elect. Leading a city as dynamic as San Francisco isn’t without its challenges, but with fresh leadership comes fresh opportunities. Lurie’s agenda is full, tackling public safety, a budget crunch, and the potential complexities of a new federal administration. Yet, as daunting as these tasks may seem, San Franciscans are no strangers to facing adversity with creativity and resolve.
As we close the chapter on 2024, we reflect on a year that was both complex and momentous. From honoring legacies and navigating political realities to embracing innovation and addressing community concerns, this year tested and highlighted the resilience of San Francisco’s law enforcement and public safety community. Here is a comprehensive look back at the defining moments of the year.
Strengthening Community and Leadership
Is it over yet? Hopefully, by the time you read this, the election chaos has settled, the winners declared, and we are done binge-watching campaign ads and tossing glossy flyers into the recycling bin. Of course, if you are a Republican in San Francisco, you have probably missed out on the political spam, or so my trusty mailman friend tells me.
The upcoming November election will have significant consequences both locally and nationally, especially considering everything that’s happened in the city over the past six years. The races for Mayor and Board of Supervisors will play a major role in shaping the future of San Francisco, along with several ballot propositions. These decisions will impact the members of the SFPOA in various ways. Even the presidential election holds the potential to influence our city and state for years to come.
In this city, there exists an invisible army—an army of street-smart, not book-smart; blue-collar, not blue-blooded individuals who keep our city running smoothly. These are the people who keep the bus lines humming, maintain the infrastructure of the city, and respond to emergencies without hesitation. They are the ones who get things done, not because they’re handed anything on a silver platter, but because they’ve never had a single day in their lives where they weren’t expected to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work.
Recently there have been several debates among the mayoral candidates. Invariably there have been moments of grandiose ideas or visions of what each candidate’s would do as mayor or differently from the incumbent. As to be expected, there were some testy exchanges between candidates, and maybe a few close calls, at least to me, of some smart smack downs. Facts usually fly out the window and once-sensible, at least sometimes sensible candidates, transform and become reckless kiss asses-all to win votes or get an endorsement.
May 1, 2025
