Existing law requires the Police Department (SFPD) to create a community policing plan for each district station. The district plan must incorporate foot and bike patrol deployment among other strategies.

The proposed ordinance would require SFPD to submit the community policing plan for each police district station to the Police Commission, to adopt a foot and/or bike patrol strategy, to develop a formula for designating foot and bike patrol streets and boundaries, and to develop a map outlining foot and/or bike patrol beats within district station boundaries. The Chief of Police must submit the patrol strategy, map, formula, and a staffing analysis to the Police Commission and is authorized to modify the strategy and formula in the future. Foot and bike patrol officers would need to have the necessary skills and community ties or be capable of developing such ties.

The ordinance heightens the SFPD’s accountability and requires a more detailed and formally reviewed strategy for foot and bike patrols. By involving the Police Commission and requiring annual budget and staffing submissions, it creates mechanisms for ongoing review and adaptation of community policing efforts.

The legislation is intended to foster more effective crime reduction, enhance SFPD’s partnership and trust with the community, and promote a policing culture that upholds the dignity of all community members, particularly the most vulnerable.

The Police Commission will review and hold hearings on the submitted plans to ensure they align with the goals outlined in the ordinance.

The Chief of Police is tasked with developing these strategies and reports, thus creating a clear line of accountability. Additionally, community feedback is incorporated through a public process before the adoption of the community policing plans, which encourages a measure of accountability from the SFPD to the communities it serves.