That’s the theory posed by Supervisor Gordon Mar, who won his colleagues’ support for legislation he believes will do just that by requiring the San Francisco Police Department to develop a “community policing plan” for each of its 10 district stations.
Crime and quality of life are top-of-mind issues for San Francisco voters, including in the largely residential Sunset District that Mar represents. Every station must have a unique plan for having officers on foot and bike patrol, addressing quality-of-life issues in the neighborhood, reducing language barriers and soliciting community feedback on policing.
So, too, does the police department. Mar’s legislation has the backing of the department and Chief Bill Scott. Addressing public safety and quality-of-life issues will likely play a key role in Mar’s political future, and for that matter, the future of every other elected official in San Francisco. Two of Mar’s prospective opponents this fall, Leanna Louie and Joel Engardio, were vocal supporters of the recall.
This is precisely our philosophy: avoiding the catastrophe is better than using a hospital and insurance company to get you back where you were. Know your situation in time and place. Prepare as you would for the weather.