Neighborhood safety in San Francisco is of significant importance for its residents, City leaders and police officials. At the same time, questions about the Police Department's deployment of staff and resources, recruitment methods, use of force policies and practices, and community relationships challenge its ability to meet the City's public safety needs.
In order to address these issues, the Police Chief, Police Commission, Board of Supervisors, and Mayor's Office all recognize the need for an independent and comprehensive review of the operations, structure, and personnel resources of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). The Police Effectiveness Review is an opportunity to complete this analysis, engage the community, and address the challenges the Department faces, recognize its strengths, and achieve tangible results.
The San Francisco Police Department, in partnership with the Controller's Office, is contracting with the Police Executive Research Forum and the Public Safety Strategies Group to conduct three planning studies: 1) Foot Patrol Pilot Program Evaluation, 2) District Station Boundaries Analysis, and 3) Organizational Assessment. Collectively, these planning studies are referred to as the Police Effectiveness Review (PER).
PROJECT APPROACH
The approach to each of the PER planning studies will include a review of promising practices in other jurisdictions, an assessment of the Department's policies and procedures and how those are being implemented, rigorous data analysis including but not limited to crime indicators, calls for service and staffing, and a broad stakeholder input process.
PER will be seeking the input of SFPD staff at every level, appointed and elected officials, community groups, professional organizations and San Franciscans in a variety of ways, including public meetings, interviews, surveys, focus groups, an advisory group and through this website. This vital piece of the project will provide feedback on the performance and perception of the San Francisco Police Department and inform the PER's analysis and recommendations.
RESULTS
The consultants will provide reports to the Department that will outline the results of their respective studies, as well as provide recommendations and advice for implementation. During the course of the analysis, should early action items be identified, those will be considered for early implementation. The Police Executive Research Forum, the consultant organization with which the City is contracting for the Organizational Assessment, will be retained to guide the Department through a longer implementation process.
For each of the planning studies, recommendations will capitalize on the strengths of, and suggest improvements for, the San Francisco Police Department.
PROJECT GOVERNANCE
The PER will be overseen by a steering committee comprised of Police Chief Heather Fong, Police Commission President Theresa Sparks, Police Commission Vice President Dr. Joe Marshall, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Controller Ben Rosenfield, and Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Director Kevin Ryan. This Committee will make decisions and provide direction to the project.
ORGANIZATIONS CONDUCTING THE WORK
The analytical work for the PER will be contracted out to two expert firms – Public Safety Strategies Group for the District Station Boundaries Analysis and the Foot Patrol Pilot Program Evaluation, and the Police Executive Research Forum for the Organizational Assessment. Project management will be the joint responsibility of staff from the SFPD and the Controller's Office City Services Auditor Division.
San Francisco Police Department
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is responsible for protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing fear of crime for San Francisco residents and visitors. Led by Chief Heather Fong, SFPD's work is organized into four bureaus in the Department: Administration, Airport, Field Operations, and Investigations.
The Controller's Office
The Controller serves as the chief accounting officer and auditor for the City and County of San Francisco. In addition, the Controller's Office is charged with promoting efficient and effective City government, undertaking a variety of special projects and initiatives.
Police Executive Research Forum
Founded in 1976, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a national nonprofit membership organization of progressive police executives from the largest city, county and state law enforcement agencies. It is both a premier police research organization and a provider of high-quality management services, technical assistance, and training to support law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Public Safety Strategies Group
Public Safety Strategies Group LLC (PSSG) specializes in public safety and homeland security strategic planning, program and technology planning, grant writing and management, training, exercises and funding strategies. First established in 1994, PSSG has a deep understanding of public safety needs and requirements and brings that expertise to bear for both public agencies and private sector companies.
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