Mayor London N. Breed and San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott announced a significant reduction in homicides and gun violence in San Francisco for 2024. The decline is attributed to new violence prevention strategies, effective law enforcement, and advanced technology.
This year, the city recorded 33 homicides, a figure not seen since the early 1960s. The number of homicides decreased by 34% compared to last year. Mayor Breed emphasized the city’s commitment to justice and crime prevention through community partnerships. “Our law enforcement agencies are working together every day to make our City safer,” she stated.
Chief Bill Scott praised the collaborative efforts that contributed to making San Francisco one of the safest large cities in the nation. He expressed condolences to victims’ families and committed to maintaining this trend of reduced violence.
The SFPD achieved an 88% clearance rate for homicides, surpassing the national average of about 50%. The department focused on reducing shootings, which historically drove most killings. Homicides with firearms dropped by 31%, while non-fatal shootings fell by 19%.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins commended the police and community partners for their efforts in reducing gun violence. She noted her office’s dedication to achieving justice despite ongoing challenges.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Crime and Justice Policy Lab acknowledged SFPD’s Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI) for its role in decreasing violence. Since its launch in District 10 in 2020, VRI has aimed at reducing gun violence, breaking recidivism cycles, and fostering trust between law enforcement and affected communities.
SFPD plans to extend VRI across other districts next year following its success in District 10, where a report indicated a 50% drop in homicides and nonfatal shootings from 2022-2023 compared to other areas.
The department also utilized new technology enabled by Proposition E, including drones, public safety cameras, Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), and mobile security units. These tools enhanced SFPD’s capabilities in identifying and apprehending criminals.
Sheriff Paul Miyamoto acknowledged the cooperative efforts among various agencies that have contributed to public safety improvements. Besides reductions in violent crime, property crimes like organized retail theft and auto burglaries decreased significantly by 56%.
