San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott released the following statement in response to Friday's budget announcement:
"We knew that there would be pain and sacrifice associated with these budget cuts, but we also know they’re necessary to fulfill the promise of Mayor Breed’s and Sup. Walton’s reinvestment initiative to support racial equality. It’s also worth noting that some funding cuts will go to divert non-emergency, low-priority calls for service away from the police department to other public functions better equipped to respond to behavioral health crises, in sheltered individuals, and low-priority calls.
"While the cuts are significant, they are cuts we can absorb and that will not diminish our ability to provide essential services. It’s important that we not view this funding redirection as a zero-sum game. At the end of the day, all San Franciscans - including the SFPD - benefit from a city that is more just and equitable; whose diverse communities are healthy and well supported and where the best, most appropriate public services are enlisted to respond to behavioral health problems and other non-emergency issues that face our city."
Sheriff Paul Miyamoto released the following statement:
"The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office to reduce our budget and redirect funds to support and address historic inequities in San Francisco’s Black community. We need responsible redirection that still allows us to continue our work to interrupt the cycle of incarceration caused by the underfunding of education, youth development and economic opportunities. We are hopeful that this increased awareness and commitment will make a genuine difference and remove barriers to progress, especially for justice-involved people who seek successful reentry."
