by ELENI BALAKRISHNAN MARCH 12, 2024 (MissionLocal.org)
Here’s the latest in our “Meet the candidates” series for District 5, where we ask each candidate to answer one question per week leading up to the election, with answers capped at 100 words. All the responses will ultimately be compiled onto a single page, where readers can peruse the potential supervisors’ stances on upwards of 40 topics before it’s time to vote in November.
So, here’s our latest question for the District 5 candidates: We have seen recent law enforcement crackdowns directed at open-air drug dealing. Have these efforts been effective, if not, how would you address this issue?
Dean Preston
Effectiveness should be measured by whether the crackdowns have prevented overdose fatalities, reduced street violence, and improved neighborhood conditions.
By those metrics, the crackdowns have largely failed. At best, enforcement strategies have improved some blocks at the expense of others, while creating turf wars that have increased gun violence.
We need to use a comprehensive strategy with evidence-based solutions, and until we do that, we will continue spending millions without results. That’s why I’ve called for San Francisco to implement Zurich’s successful “Four Pillars” strategy to combat addiction, save lives, and improve street conditions.
Allen Jones
I have not noticed a difference one way or the other in law enforcement crackdowns.
Also, I have no intention of trying to tell SFPD how to do its job, but I will monitor the situation post-Prop. E. If Prop. E tools are not effective enough in cleaning up street drug dealing; after being given a chance to work, I think we need to clean out those in charge. The reasonable time frame should be no more than one year after police cameras are installed.
Bilal Mahmood
Arresting fentanyl dealers and providing treatment to users is necessary to ending our open-air drug markets. As a Tenderloin resident, I know that we need both, and that our current efforts are not enough.
We need beat officers who build relationships with the community to be patrolling our streets — currently, we have zero in nearly all precincts of the Tenderloin. We need to fully staff employees for existing social services programs, and reduce the bureaucracy impeding nurses and officers’ ability to do their jobs.
By cutting red tape and increasing staffing, we can improve outcomes to create healthier, safer communities.
Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at eleni@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the District 5 questions here, and the entire “Meet the Candidates” series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
ELENI BALAKRISHNAN
REPORTER. Eleni reports on policing in San Francisco. She first moved to the city on a whim more than 10 years ago, and the Mission has become her home. Follow her on Twitter @miss_elenius.More by Eleni Balakrishnan
