SF Police Patrol Organization
Expresses Commitment to Work with New Board

From Alan Byard, President, Patrol Special Police Officers Association

September 24, 2010

San Francisco’s Patrol Special Police Officer Association President Alan Byard and various client supporters of the Patrol Special Police have recently met informally with a number of candidates for the Board of Supervisors race in Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Officers and clients are discussing each candidate’s priorities and proposed programs to prevent and address crime, and their specific position regarding neighborhood crime prevention services provided by the Patrol Special Police.

Patrol Special Police are a privately-paid neighborhood police force that has been providing special policing and patrols that supplement regular services provided by the San Francisco Police Department. The SFPD is facing retirement of 78 officers in early 2011 and possible further reduction due to the city’s unalleviated budget deficit.

“We are ready, willing, and able to work with any successful candidate regarding our commitment to help the police department respond to anticipated staffing cuts. We already work cooperatively on the streets with SFPD patrol officers, and we are well trained to play a key supportive role in addressing public safety needs,” said Byard.

This week Patrol Special Police completed the second half of their annual required 24-hour training requirements in the classroom and next week will re-qualify on the range, according to standards set by the Police Chief. Patrol Special Police are armed, on police radio bandwidth, and wear uniforms approved by the police commission which also oversees their program operations.

“Our officers have always provided an extra set of ‘eyes and ears’ regarding disturbances on the streets. We serve limited geographic areas and are able to respond quickly to our client’s concerns and calls for service. However, we also protect the general public in times of public safety emergencies,” said Byard.

The demonstrated commitment and ability of the Patrol Special Police to protect the wider public is reflected in two recent incidents occurring on Pink Sunday during Pride Week in the Castro and on February 7 in Fisherman’s Wharf outside of the Suede Bar.

On the night of Pink Sunday, the celebrating crowd was interrupted by gunfire and a murder, which a nearby Assistant Patrol Special Police Officer Antjuan Taswell stepped up to assist handle.

Cecelia Jones, a security dispatcher, was nearby and turned to Officer Taswell for help.

“My sister and I were probably 10 feet away when were heard gun shots. I looked to my left and there was a man lying face down on the ground. We immediately ran blindly into a club and encountered Patrol Special Police Officer Taswell. I blurted out that someone just got shot. He shoved my sister and me behind him as though he were a shield, and ordered us inside. We were in such a state of panic and shock that we needed to hear some directive. I commend and appreciate Officer Taswell for his protection and bravery. He responded immediately to our distress and provided safety for all.”

Patrol Special Police Officer Robert Burns has been recommended for a Medal of Valor by acting Platoon Commander Sean O’Leary of Central Station, for quick and professional action on February 7 outside of Burn’s clients bar. Burns brought down a gunman who had murdered someone just 20 feet away and who continued the shooting spree. Burns was on patrol when the incident happened.

According to O’Leary, Burns demonstrated “steadfast, outstanding bravery as he stood his ground amid withering gunfire.” The recommendation letter cites “hundreds of fleeing people” and “citizens running all about,” and concludes that Burns “saved the lives/prevented personal injury to several panicked partygoers.”

“We stand ready to serve San Francisco as we have always done and we’re ready to do more. We recently expressed to the Chief and police commission our willingness after serving our clients, to respond additionally to some priority crimes as needed,” said Byard.

About San Francisco Patrol Special Police

San Francisco Patrol Special Police are the only private neighborhood safety service in the city that is legally permitted to patrol San Francisco’s streets as well as private locations under the city’s Municipal Police Code Sec. 1750 and is on police radio frequencies.

Patrol Special Police officers are screened by background checks conducted by the S.F.P.D. are trained annually at the San Francisco Police Academy and/or other police training organizations, regulated by the Police Commission and supervised by the S.F.P.D.

Throughout more than a century-and-a-half of unique neighborhood policing, Patrol Special Police have supported the City’s public safety needs. Since the Gold Rush Days, Special Police, later known as Patrol Special Police,

Special Police were first sworn in by Police Chief Marshal Malachi Fallon in 1851. Five years later the force was written into the City Charter in 1856. Special Police have assisted city authorities with controlling historical criminal gangs, such as the infamous Hounds of San Francisco. Over the years they also maintained public safety during labor strikes, riots, and natural disasters – including the devastating 1906 earthquake.

Today, Patrol Special Police augment the S.F.P.D. by providing neighborhoods with cost-effective and crime prevention services and safety education. Patrol Special Police resolve disturbances at an early stage with a view toward the welfare of all. Their early intervention and visible presence unburden S.F.P.D. officers to address other law enforcement needs.

Patrol Special Police services are financed by private clients who include merchants, professionals, homeowners’ associations, individual residents, street fair and special event organizers, government agencies, and other business and private organizations.

FCJ Editor

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