San Francisco Police Staffing Issue: A Call for More Officers San Francisco, CA – In a move to address the pressing issue of police staffing, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved a charter amendment that will be presented to voters in March. The proposed measure aims to fund and require the hiring of new police officers, giving residents a chance to express their desire for increased police presence in the city. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who voted in favor of the measure, highlights the importance of redirecting existing tax funds to finance the hiring process. The goal is to avoid burdening taxpayers with additional taxes while still ensuring adequate staffing levels. If approved by voters, a future tax could be implemented to provide the necessary revenue to employ more officers. The charter amendment sets a minimum staffing number for the next five years, starting with 1,700 officers in the first year and gradually increasing to a maximum of 2,074. The city’s general fund would be required to cover the cost of at least the same number of officers as the previous year. Additionally, a police staffing fund would be established with an initial allocation of $16.8 million, with the possibility of future funds being dedicated unless an emergency arises. City controller Ben Rosenfield reveals that the police department currently has approximately 300 vacant positions that are fully funded in its budget. This indicates that the issue lies not with a lack of funding but with a shortage of qualified applicants. Supervisor Shamann Walton highlights the need to create a more appealing environment for young people and community members to consider a career in law enforcement. The San Francisco Police Department fell short of its goal of recruiting 100 new officers this year, with only 25 police academy graduates and 30 hires from other counties. The proposed charter amendment aims to address these challenges by providing the necessary resources to attract and retain qualified individuals in the police force. By giving voters the opportunity to express their support for increased staffing, the city hopes to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The measure to amend the city charter will be presented to voters on March 5, 2024. As the city takes this important step towards addressing the police staffing issue, we must remember the significance of a well-staffed and effective police force in creating a safer community for all.