SFPD // Current

Central District Newsletter-November 5, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

Captain James Dudley is at training this week. The following is submitted by Officer Fred Crisp.

Halloween has come and gone and as you can see by the Broadway statistics following these comments, it was just another weekend on Broadway. The convergence of Halloween on a Friday night, a Critical Mass event and Broadway patrons were adroitly handled by assigned officers.

One of the lesser known and very important assignments at Central is that of the “70” units. Officers in this unit respond to calls of homeless, indigent, disabled, mentally challenged and substance abusive people. Most of these calls are from citizens concerned about the welfare of the person on the street. Sometimes it is an obvious problem such as an infected wound, an altered mental state, dirty clothing, little or no personal hygiene, drunk in public etc. Other times it is a person interfering with the operation of a business or camped out on, or in, a doorstep. No matter the reason, officers are requested to respond, handle the person and solve the problem.

Catherine (Cathy) Daly and Sanjay Shastri are the two officers assigned in the Central. Cathy and Sanjay have been in the PD for over eighteen years and assigned to the 70 unit for over four years each. Both officers have developed the required skills and resources to deal with a very difficult population. A whole newsletter could be dedicated to the efforts of these two and only the surface of the problem would be scratched. The officers work in concert with SFFD, DPH and the Mayor’s Office. Recently, after much work and continued follow-up, four long term street people were placed into permanent housing. One was a woman who lived on the street, in the area of Battery and Pine for sixteen years, with a dog and sometimes a cat.

Cathy Daly requested I inform readers that all vacant or operating storefronts have a 25MPC Poster in the window. Section 25 of the Municipal Police Code gives a Police Officer the ability to act as an agent for the property owner 24 hours a day. This allows officers to request people leave doorways or other areas of private property when the owner is not present. Property owners, property managers or business operators may request a 25 MPC poster. Requirements are to fill out the form, place a copy in the window of the premises and return one to be filed at the station. To request a 25 MPC poster, call 315-2400 and leave a message with your name and phone number. You will be contacted about completing the procedure.
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments Captain James Dudley is at training this week.... more

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9 days ago

Central District Newsletter-October 28, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments Three Days till Halloween! Please help keep... more

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21 days ago

Central District Newsletter-October 21, 2008

Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley October 21, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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28 days ago

Central District Newsletter-October 14, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 14, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

Community Policing works when the community gets together with local police and things get done. We work hard to communicate through forums like e-mail, face to face meetings and at events. A big component is the policing part that is catching ‘bad guys’. This past week the officers at Central Station showed their versatility by policing the large events that were Fleet Week and the Italian Heritage Parade and Festival, (formerly known as Columbus Day). They also captured some ‘bad guys.’

“Just like 7/11- Central Station never closes.”
That’s what Sgt. Paris Deshong wrote about the Midnight Watch Officers who foiled robbery suspects’ in a recent 7-11 store robbery series. On 10/8/08 at 3 AM a robbery in progress call was made on the 2600 block of Mason Street at a convenience store. Night Watch officers made a coordinated response and after a chase, took the 3 suspects, ski mask, gun and car into custody. Responsible officers were: Angel Lozano, Eric Tapang, Magnus Chow, Charles August, Tina To, Matt Sullivan, Brendan O’Connor, Mark Milligan, Jose Macias, Kin Lee and Debra King.

Homicide Arrest
Every now and then, officers are called to cases of “defrauding an innkeeper,” otherwise known as a ‘dine and dash.’ That’s when someone orders a meal and attempts to flee without paying for it. Officers Norm Rice and Dave Boyette responded to Fisherman’s Wharf on just such a ‘routine call.’ After some evasion, the officers discovered that the suspect who tried to skip out on the check was currently wanted by Santa Rosa PD for allegedly stabbing his mother to death the same week.

Prostitution
10/8/08- midnight at Larkin and Sutter: Officer Rene Nielsen arrested a woman soliciting for prostitution who has been active recently in the same area. The 21 year old white woman has no local address. An hour later, Officer Nielsen arrested a 21 year old black woman from SF for the same offense at Geary and Hyde Street.

10/10/08-midnight on the 1300 block of Pine Street, Officer Martin Garay arrested a 21 year old woman with no local address, propositioning men outside of a liquor store.

10/11/08 at 2:44 AM at Sutter and Larkin, Officer Eric Tapang arrested a 28 year old male who propositioned him.
Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley October 14, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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1 month ago

Central District Newsletter-October 7, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 7, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

Fall is officially here, it’s getting darker sooner and no doubt the rain will follow. Now is a good time to check windshield wiper blades and to be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians during commute hours. At the end of the month there will be masses out on the streets of San Francisco, free wheeling all over the place. Expect for lots of people and bikes out this October 31st. Not only will it be Halloween, but it will also coincide with Critical Mass, the all-out bicycle rodeo around town.
Beware of Fraudulent Travel Planners
This past week we had over 50 reports of hopeful travelers who have been bilked out of travel plans and thousands of dollars, and some even their passports. Victims from all over the City reported that they made travel plans with an agent on Stockton Street. When they found that their ‘tickets’ were not paid for, they responded to the office and discovered that it was now found vacant. Anyone who made plans through the agent is advised to contact the airline and to make a police report if irregularities are found.
Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Costumes should fit correctly so kids won't trip on them. Wear light-colored costumes so you can be seen easily at night.
2. Kids should not try to Trick or Treat by themselves. They should go with an adult and a group of friends.
3. Map out where you and your friends will be going. Visit only the well-lighted houses.
4. Trick or Treat while it is still light out; always bring a flashlight, it may get dark. Wear a reflective costume or stickers.
5. Pick well-lighted streets. Walk on the sidewalks. Do not take shortcuts or alleys!
6. Only accept candy at a person's front door. Do not go inside of a house or into someone's car.
7. Have a back-up plan in case you get separated from your group. Carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie or money for a pay phone, and the number of a trusted adult.
Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley October 7, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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1 month ago

Ambulances and cop cars ready to rumble

But not everyone is raving about the Rumbler. Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution (they'd prefer you call them Noise... more

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1 month ago

Central District Newsletter-September 30, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 30, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

Burglary, Robbery and Auto Burglaries occur in the district in varying patterns. After a review of the crimes for the months of July and August, some patterns are evident. Daytime before 5 PM are the highest times for a burglary to occur. Residences are by far the most frequent, although construction sites are next highest at nearly 30%. I spoke recently regarding such incidents and recalled that one afternoon, while canvassing North Beach construction sites, we found 10 locations where tools and equipment were left unattended. The theft of opportunity can easily be avoided by securing equipment and tools in locked containers when they are unattended or otherwise not in use.

In cases of robbery, there are a few precautions that one can do to protect themselves. Maintain situational awareness while out and about. Know your surroundings and your travel routes. Travel with a friend or co-worker. Don’t over burden yourself with packages or bulky items. Be wary of purses, backpacks and laptop bags. These are the most taken items along with wallets, watches and Ipods in robberies.

In the northern area of the Central District, in concentrated tourist areas, auto boostings are the most often reported crimes. Parking garages are the most frequently hit locations. Indra Murdoch at the Anchorage Shopping Center has experienced success in lowering their auto boosts significantly in the past few months. She launched a campaign in education to her security staff, attendants and to the parking public. She placed large signs in the garage advising parkers to lock up their valuables out of sight or to take them from the parked vehicles. Indra gets a Captain’s Complimentary Citation for outstanding crime prevention.

Broadway Corridor
Friday September 26,2008 Saturday September 27,2008
Felony Arrests 2 Felony Arrests 0
Misdemeanor Arrests 2 Misdemeanor Arrests 3
Drunk Related Arrests 1 Drunk Related Arrests 1
Moving Citations 56 Moving Citations 42
Parking Citations 9 Parking Citations 11
Vehicles Towed 6 Vehicles Towed 10

Traffic Company Violence Reduction Unit: 56 citations issued, 2 vehicles towed, 10 arrests made. A felony assault arrest was made at Broadway and Columbus at 2:11 AM Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 30, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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1 month ago

Central District Newsletter-September 23, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 23, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments
I am just back from a quick trip to the Eastern Sierras. The sights were great at Mono Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Gem Lake, June Lake and Mammoth Mountain. I even ran into a bunch of tourists trying to figure out the Italian script on the back of their Caffe Roma t-shirts at the foot of Rainbow Falls. Familiar with the credo, I translated, Tony would be proud. While I was there I happened to pick up a local paper to see how crime took a vacation as well. The good news is that their worst report was a demolished and pilfered kitchen and pantry. The suspect was a four legged 350 pound local, covered in dark brown fur. I wonder how they manage Community Policing with those guys.
Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall and our event calendar fills up quickly. In October we have the 10/10 Parade and Festival in Chinatown on 10/04/08 and of course, Fleet Week at Fisherman’s Wharf on 10/9-10/12. At the end of the month we expect revelers of all ages and costume to come into the district for Halloween on Friday 10/31/08.
Broadway and the area has been active. See below for statistics. We have had help with new Central Lieutenant Harry Pierson and Night Captain Dave Lazar directing troops from Central Station, the Market Street Beat, the Traffic Violence Reduction squad and others. The SF Sheriff continues to be a great ally with a bus on Broadway every weekend to assist in booking prisoners. They were very busy Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Broadway Corridor
Friday September 19, 2008: Saturday September 20, 2008:
Felony arrests made 3 Felony arrests 2
Misdemeanor arrests made 6 Misdemeanor arrests made 5
Drunk related arrests made 1 Drunk related arrests made 10
Moving citations 69 Moving citations 62
Parking citations issued 8 Parking citations issued 10
Towed vehicles 14 Towed vehicles 10

The Traffic Company Violence Reduction Unit assistance was very helpful indeed, with a reported 41 citations issued, 5 vehicles towed, 6 reports made and 7 arrests made. The best arrest of the night occurred when Solo Motorcycle Officer Jim Riordan was told by a motorist that a group of 4 Latin males and a black male robbed him at Sansome and Broadway on 9/20/08 at 1:40 AM. The officer and back up located the suspects on Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 23, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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1 month ago

Tired of loud car stereos?

Largo- Car music too loud in your neighborhood? The Largo Police Department has initiated a new campaign to better address... more

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2 months ago

Central District Newsletter-September 16, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 16, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments
Two fatal incidents occurred this week, both within hours of each on 9/11/08. Just after midnight, officers were alerted to a call of a suspect breaking into vehicles on the unit block of Alta, near Coit Tower. At one point, the suspect ran from one of the victim vehicles and attempted to flee, vaulting a wall at the end of the street. The suspect did not survive the fall of over 150 feet to the foot of the hill at Sansome and Filbert Streets.
Later that afternoon, officers were called to an apartment building at Taylor and Geary to our only homicide of the year. Without being able to provide any specific details, I can only commend Officers Steve Wonder and Nick Rainsford for outstanding investigation and follow up that led to the arrest of the suspect within 48 hours of the report.
September is STILL National Preparedness Month, 2008
In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. For more information, citizens may also visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.

Last week, I met with Chief Fong and Cindy Brandon, the executive director of SAFE, Safety Awareness For Everyone, and a representative from the Metropolitan Club regarding a talk on crime awareness for the individual. It occurred to me that the tenants of crime awareness should be on everyone’s mind. Here are just a few tips to help keep you from being a victim.
• Be Mindful. Have situational awareness of your surroundings. That can mean several things, but besides being mindful in the moments when going to and from your home, school or office, it also means doing some homework yourself. Do you know the crime trends in your area? Do you take personal precautions? Do you own something that is a hot commodity? Things like laptops, Ipods, GPS systems in vehicles are top items stolen from people and unoccupied vehicles.
• Use a Lock. On your home, your car, your bike, your work-out locker at the gym. Some thieves are strictly opportunists. They will not force a lock or door, but they are always open to unattended items.
Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 16, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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2 months ago

Central District Newsletter-September 9, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 9, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

September is National Preparedness Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
During National Preparedness Month, we underscore the important responsibility Americans have to be ready for emergencies in our homes, businesses, and communities. The Department of Homeland Security's Ready campaign highlights preparedness steps, including having an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and becoming informed about different types of emergencies. After preparing themselves and their families, Americans can take the next step and get involved in helping to prepare their communities for all types of emergencies. For more information, citizens may visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov. During National Preparedness Month, we also honor our Nation's police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel for their hard work and commitment to protecting others. As first responders, they have demonstrated the true meaning of heroism by taking great risks to safeguard our communities, and all Americans are grateful for their efforts.

In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team.

Community Court Panelist Training
Certainly as in almost everything in life, there should be priorities and consequences. In crime issues, not every offense can or should be taken to a jury trial. That is not to say that somehow, every crime that involves a victim should be addressed. Be a part of a team to make our community whole after an offense. Take a spot on one of our three Community Courts after attending panelist training.

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Where: CCDS, 502 7th Street (cross Bryant Street )
Details: Community Court was established as an active collaboration among City departments, neighborhood residents and merchant associations to improving the quality of life in San Francisco through restorative justice programs. The purpose of Community Courts is to discourage criminal violations that impact our City’s neighborhoods. Through the program, a panel of local residents hears each case, makes clear to the Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 9, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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2 months ago

Central District Newsletter - September 3, 2008

Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 2, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more

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3 months ago

Central District Newsletter - August 26, 2008

Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
August 26, 2008

“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”

Captain’s Comments

Thanks to Officer Fred Crisp for putting together last week’s newsletter. I am back from vacation but hopefully soon we will have a volunteer working at Central Station and one of his duties will be to assemble the newsletter. I will continue to write the “Captain’s Comments” section but he will do the remaining segments.

School is back in session! Drive, (and bike) safely!
Remember to stay alert while driving, especially in the next few weeks when kids are just returning to school. Easy for me to say; 2 weeks ago I was on my way to work on the Embarcadero when I dodged a jogger and ran smack into a metal bollard. Luckily, I was wearing my helmet and the only things I bruised were my thigh and ego. My bike did not fare so well. It is easy to take your eye or mind off driving for even a second or two, but unfortunate results can happen. Remember to stay “hands free” when using the phone. Remember too that ear buds or ear phones are not allowed.

You may remember the Bocce Community Event at “National Night Out” at Joe DiMaggio Playground on 08/05/08. Everyone in attendance voiced the opinion that such an enjoyable event should happen more than once a year. Neighbor Lee Goodin heard those comments and took action. Lee has reserved the Bocce’ Ball courts on Thursday September 4th from 6PM-7:30PM for another get together. Tel-Hi, Central Station and neighbors will be in attendance. E-mail lgoodin1@mindspring.com for further info and what is needed for the barbeque.

Thanks and farewell to SAFE’s and Central District Community Liaison David Chan. David retired from SAFE, (Safety Awareness For Everyone), last week and was awarded certificates from SAFE and Chief Heather Fong. David has been a great friend and hard worker who has always helped with our annual Chinatown events, the annual Crime Prevention Kick-off, crime prevention fliers and presentations. He coordinated meetings and did translations for bulletins and safety fliers. We will miss him and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

Recycling Thefts
We continue to see thefts of opportunity and theft of precious metals such as copper and bronze. I read recently about legislative attempts to address the problem at the recycling yards, to identify those bringing in materials for cash. In the meantime I would recommend that you secure copper pipe indoors whenever possible or to paint over it, insulate it or securely fasten it with brackets at several locations. Plaques and decorative items should be securely fastened and/or anchored.
Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley August 26, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” ... more