City and County of
San Francisco
Office of the Sheriff
Established 1850
June 25, 2020 San Francisco Sheriff's Office Newsletter Issue 74
A Message from Sheriff Paul Miyamoto
Leading the Way to Change
Dear Friends,

This last month of civil unrest may prove to be a turning point in our history. As both a person of color and a member of law enforcement, I experienced a mixture of emotions.

I felt sickened by George Floyd’s tragic death. I also felt hope when I saw people peacefully protesting in San Francisco and across our country, tearing down barriers to long overdue changes in law enforcement and exposing cultural racism.

As a 24-year member of this department and now the elected Sheriff, I am humbled by this moment in history and embrace the chance to move quickly, standing up to social injustice and racial inequality. My announced changes include:

  • Amending SFSO’s new use of force policy to reaffirm the department’s 30-year prohibition on the use of carotid restraint or choke hold.
  • Implementing early warning technology to identify deputized staff who may be at risk for future adverse behavior. 
  • Updating Deputy Sheriff de-escalation training to incorporate a cultural competence framework.
  • Working with the city’s Department of Human Resources, Human Rights Commission and members of the community to revise and continue implicit bias and diversity and workplace inclusion training for every department member.
  • Expanding our agreement with the Department of Police Accountability, an independent investigative body, to investigate a broader range of cases.
  • Continued participation in the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) and the city’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) to support and advance equity in hiring and promotions.
  • Forming and convening a Sheriff’s Community Advisory Committee in consultation with GARE, HRC, local leaders and community groups. 

This is just the beginning of a conversation with the community and with my staff that I know will make our department more transparent, accountable and equitable.

I look forward to leading the way. 
Celebrating 50 Years of SF Pride
Watch video below
The first march for "Gay Liberation" was held on Polk Street in 1970. Over the years, the march has grown into the SF Pride parade and celebration, the largest gathering of LGBTQI people and allies in the United States.

The San Francisco Sheriff's Office has proudly marched in the Pride parade for more than three decades. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s SF Pride events will be held online June 27 and 28.

Fifty years after the first celebration of LGBTQI culture in San Francisco, it is more important than ever that we gather and recognize that:

Hope will never be silent;
Love makes a family; and
It gets better.
SF Summer Youth Eco-Jobs Program Launches
With new COVID safety protocols in place, Summer Youth Eco-Jobs kicked off on Monday, June 15, preserving a valuable community youth employment program.

Twenty-four 16- to 17-year old city youth are learning basic land and vegetation management, landscaping, and habitat restoration. They are germinating, propagating and planting California native plants for use at SFPUC sites, while earning approximately $16.50 an hour. The program extends through July 24.

"We know that COVID-19 is taking a devastating toll on families of color from loss of income to increased health risk and poorer outcomes from the virus," said Sheriff Miyamoto. "We're implementing protocols that keep everyone safe and healthy including face masks and gloves for participants, while they practice social distancing."

Special thanks to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the SF Conservation Corps for their perseverance during a global pandemic in providing much-needed youth job training and wages.
COVID-19 Halts SF July 4 Fireworks Display
Add San Francisco's annual 4th of July public fireworks celebration to the list of casualties caused by COVID-19.

"We must do everything we can to protect the community's health and safety," said Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. "Unfortunately, public gatherings are off the table until COVID is no longer a factor."

SF public safety partners including the Sheriff, Fire and Police departments are reminding residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those branded as "Safe and Sane," are illegal in San Francisco.

Remember: If you see something, say something.

  • Call 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks only if you see the person lighting them, can describe them and can give an exact location or address.
  • Call 3-1-1 for complaints about fireworks noise.
  • Text AlertSF to 888-777 for citywide alerts.
Information: 415-554-7225
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