In an effort to combat the rising wave of retail crime, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a measure Tuesday that will allow sheriff's deputies to serve as private guards for businesses, according to reporting by KPIX.
The legislation was introduced by Supervisor Ahsha Safai, and focuses on a partnership between the sheriff’s office and the San Francisco Police Department.
"The fact of the matter is this. The SF Police Department was unable to meet that demand for what was asked of us and now we have our partners from the San Francisco Sheriff's Department that will help alleviate those shortages," said Police Chief Bill Scott during the public announcement of the measure on Tuesday, as reported by the station.
Deputies would be able to be hired privately for patrols and events, as needed, in what would essentially be overtime shifts.
"This is voluntary overtime provided by our staff as opportunities to sign up for and get out into the community to protect the retail establishments," said Sheriff Paul Miyamoto during the announcement, as reported by the statement.
The program will work on a case-by-case basis. “A commercial or retail establishment calls the sheriff or police department to submit a security plan and the Sheriff approves it with the consultation of the Police Chief," according to a statement from Safai's office emailed to KCBS Radio. This will be the protocol for the first 60 days after this legislation is enacted.
The security work will count as overtime, and will not cost the city anything, according to the statement.
The sheriff's office and SFPD will work together over the next couple of months to establish the protocols of the program.
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