Proposition M - Support

By Robert RomanoThe Guardsman

San Francisco’s Proposition M will guarantee greater interaction between the community and the police. It will include a foot patrol program at all San Francisco police stations. The program will put more trained officers on the street and throughout Muni.

It will require the city to conduct regular reviews of all foot patrol routes and present bi-annual reports to the board of supervisors. Regular input from the community will also help mold the program. This will help effectively make the police commission, the police department and the community equally accountable for Prop M’s success.

A 2007 report compiled by the city of San Francisco shows that 79 percent of the city’s police officers believe foot patrols are an effective means of policing. And 82 percent of San Franciscans agreed.

The same study showed when foot patrols were increased by 120 percent, there were no increases in expenditure or response times. Because of this study, the SFPD was urged to develop clear goals and objectives as well as performance measures and accountability controls for effective management of its foot patrols. Most agree on the dire necessity for safer streets; Prop M will make safer streets a reality.

Community policing in cities like Detroit and New York has proven to be extremely useful, and is considered a luxury by residents.

Passing Prop M will make Proposition L, known as the “sit-lie” ordinance, null and void, saving tax money and police resources. Prop M will effectively set up a network of concerned citizens and police officers who will work together to fight crime, not target the innocent.

Prop M will do more than put a Band-Aid on the city’s crime problems by sweeping people off the streets who look offensive or dangerous. We must come together and vote “yes” on Prop M.