Dozens of San Francisco police officers have been suspended for not complying with COVID-19 vaccine requirements as the city's crime makes national headlines.
City employees who work in high-risk settings were required to show proof of vaccination by Oct. 13 to abide by coronavirus protocol. However, about 100 SFPD officers remain unvaccinated, Police Chief William Scott told KCBS Radio. Some of them are already on disability or other pre-approved leave.
"Operationally we have 45 officers that have had to be removed from their assignments because they’re not vaccinated, 45 active officers," he said.
Rather than being moved to desk jobs, these officers are among 1,400 city employees who have been suspended with pay while they await due process hearings, leaving colleagues to deal with the crime that's been making national headlines.
On Oct. 12, Walgreens announced that the pharmacy chain is closing five San Francisco locations due to rampant retail theft, thrusting San Francisco crime into the national spotlight.
To mitigate backlash, city officials promised to step up the fight against car break-ins and store robberies, however, convincing people of this promise is difficult with a diminished number of police officers.
"San Francisco is experiencing a shooting and retail theft epidemic and fewer officers will only make things worse," the Police Officer’s Associate said in a statement to KNTV.
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