During a recent San Francisco city hearing, Supervisor Jackie Fielder questioned the equity of off-duty police officers working private security. Assistant Chief David Lazar defended the program, asserting it enhances community safety while reducing crime, funded by private businesses. However, Fielder argued that such arrangements disproportionately favor wealthier areas, neglecting other neighborhoods in need. An analysis revealed that most off-duty police work takes place in affluent downtown locations, raising concerns about fair allocation of public safety resources across the city.
"The program is a big win for the community, the public, the city, and for the department," he said, indicating that visibility leads to reduced crime.
Fielder countered that the program gives certain parts of the city a stronger police presence based on the ability of local businesses to pay for it.
The data reveals that the majority of off-duty police work in private security is concentrated in downtown areas like the Financial District and Union Square.
She emphasized that public safety resources should be equitably allocated and not influenced by a business's ability to pay for extra police presence.
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