Capt. Paul Chignell: Police Beat

San Francisco Police Stations
I have received a number of inquiries from residents concerned about recent reports of a study of the status of our current 10 police stations in San Francisco. Specifically, folks want to know if the Taraval Police Station will be closing.

There is no need to panic. City officials commissioned a study of police district boundaries, which was conducted by a respected group, Public Safety Strategies. The group's conclusion, which was documented in an exhaustive study, was that the City should consider having five large super-stations instead of the current 10 district station configuration.

The analysis included many topics, including the inadequacy of some stations for logistics and public access, patrol coverage and responses, and many more. There have been briefings on the report and recently a joint meeting was held with a SF Board of Supervisors committee and the Police Commission.

One thing is certain - this study will be looked at from every angle and will result in an exhaustive analysis by the community, elected and appointed officials and the SF Police Department. It is just one analysis of police coverage in the City.

We know that the community reveres its district stations, and that ultimately, the community will decide this issue.

Capt. Paul Chignell is the commanding officer at the Taraval Police Station.