8/17/11— Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Police Chief Greg Suhr presented the six month accomplishments of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). Through the concentration of SFPD efforts and reorganization of police resources, San Francisco has seen a reduction in violent (Part 1) crimes citywide over the same period in 2010.

From January to June in 2011, total overall crime in San Francisco has been maintained at a low with no change from the same time last year. For the first six months in 2011, total overall violent crime in San Francisco is down 6 percent from 2010 and shows a reduction of 17 percent compared to 2008. For the first six months in 2011, total property crime in San Francisco is down 8 percent compared to 2008.

San Francisco’s homicide rates are lowest three-year trend in nearly 50 years and continues to remain at historic lows not seen since the 1960s through the strategic deployment of law enforcement resources, reform and accountability within the SFPD, and increased collaboration with the City’s diverse communities to prevent crime.

“Violent crime in San Francisco is at historic lows and these latest statistics show that we are on track to reduce crime rates in our City even more this year,” said Mayor Lee. “Despite difficult budget times, Chief Suhr and the men and women of the San Francisco Police Department are continuing to keep San Francisco the safest big city in the U.S. through innovative use of data, smarter deployment strategies and partnering with our diverse communities on community oriented policing programs to reduce crime.”

“These crime statistics reflect a decrease in violent crime in San Francisco. The SFPD, in partnership with the community, is committed to making San Francisco a safer place,” said SFPD Chief Suhr. “The SFPD will continue to work closely with our communities and our law enforcement partners to ensure resources are allocated in the best interest of safety for all residents of San Francisco.”

In the first 100 days of Chief Suhr’s appointment, the SFPD has improved crime fighting strategies through the implementation of a series of community oriented policing programs and enhanced basic services provided to residents. The SFPD has increased efficiency through streamlined operations through a reorganization of all divisions, de-centralized specialty units for quicker community response, enhanced collaborative efforts with all regional law enforcement agencies, established new guidelines for more timely and effective discipline process and demonstrated fiscal savings through restructuring of command staff and management, without layoffs due to budget deficits.