SAN FRANCISCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE Q&A

SF APARTMENT MAGAZINE: What are the priorities of the Sheriff’s department?

SAN FRANCISCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE: The priorities of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) are best summarized in our strategic plan, which guides our year-to-year goals and tracks the progress of our office:

• Protect San Francisco

• Engage San Francisco

• Improve organizational accountability

• Modernize technology

• Enrich training

• Maximize workforce potential

SFAM: Can you tell us about staffing difficulties at the department? How are staffing shortages impacting your work?

SFSO: Staffing continues to be a struggle for the department. We are currently operating far below our authorized staffing limits. This drastically affects our work, requiring mandatory overtime for many employees to meet SFSO staffing minimums. Additionally, many programs have been suspended or are operating under reduced schedules. SFSO is working hard to remedy this using digital advertising, job fairs, and community engagement to expand our applicant pool.

Over the last year, we began making strides in hiring for these positions, and we will continue through 2023. If you or anyone you know are interested in joining the SFSO as a deputy, please check out our website at: sfsheriff.com > Join Our Team.

SFAM: What is the Sheriff’s department’s role in San Francisco? What does the department oversee?

SFSO: The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office has four different divisions. Our public safety mission in law enforcement extends into the below areas.

SFSO oversees our county jails. Anyone incarcerated in the City and County of San Francisco falls under the custody and care of the SFSO.

A large portion of our responsibilities is our in-andout-of-custody programs. Our most extensive out-ofcustody program is the Pre-Trial Electronic Monitoring (PTEM), but we have a long list of additional programs, like the No Violence Alliance, which provides case management services to promote independence and quality of life by coordinating appropriate services with constant and on-going support as needed by the client.

You can learn more about our in-and-out-of-custody programs on our website: sfsheriff.com > Programs and Events > All Programs.

SFSO also serves local warrants, provides law enforcement services for public buildings and courts, and oversees ballot collection to ensure we have safe and secure elections.

Finally, our Civil Unit provides the following services:

• General process (personal/substitute service)

• Summons and petitions

• Wage garnishments

• General process (personal/substitute service)

• Summons and petitions

• Wage garnishments

• Bank levies

• Third-party levies

• Civil bench warrants

• Restraining orders

• Notice of hearings

• Out-of-state summons

• Small claims

• Evictions is that they are not safe. Our priority is to make sure that people are safe and that our economy can thrive.

SFAM: Are there updates or recent changes to how the department handles evictions?

SFSO: The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Civil Section serves civil processes in the manner prescribed by law and performs civil enforcement duties with integrity and without prejudice or bias in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and statutes.

SFAM: How has the apartment recovery process changed since COVID? What is the process now?

SFSO: SFSO’s role in civil enforcement continues as that of a neutral party, acting only on a lawful court order. Our administrative process has not changed and is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure. Most procedures and laws governing the service and execution of civil process are outlined in said code.

Pam McElroy: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off in San Francisco?

DA Jenkins: Any moment I have to spend with my children, particularly on the weekends, we love to get out. My daughter usually has a soccer or basketball game. Afterward, we’ll find a restaurant or somewhere to get ice cream.

We like to eat at taquerias in the Mission. My kids and I—not so much dad—like to shop in Union Square. One of our favorite things to do is go down there and find toys at a little toy shop.

We live in Mission Bay, and I love how walkable the neighborhood is. I like going to the food trucks or walking to Chase Center or to a park. I really love our neighborhood.