Liza Johansen has made history as she serves as the captain of the San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station, being only the second woman to hold the position.
Though the overall crime rate in the Mission District is significantly lower than it was during Johansen’s upbringing, it hasn’t necessarily translated into a community that feels safe in public spaces.
In a recent interview with Mission Local, Johansen discussed the ongoing collaboration between the SFPD and various city departments aimed at addressing the issues of public drug use and the fencing of stolen goods, particularly in the area surrounding the 16th Street BART station.
District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder acknowledged Johansen’s efforts during the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, where she awarded Johansen a certificate of honor. Fielder commended Johansen for her ability to bring people together in a challenging environment.
During a conversation held on June 6 at the Mission station, Johansen opened up about her personal connection to the community, stating her roots in the lower 24th Street area and her educational journey at local schools.
“When I became a police officer, it felt very much like I made it out of the neighborhood, for lack of a better way of saying it,” Johansen said, reflecting on her emotional journey back to the place she once called home.
Johansen recalled her early days when she recognized the importance of having Spanish-speaking officers in the neighborhood. She expressed how it touched her deeply to see community members seeking help and being unable to communicate with officers due to language barriers.
Her return to the Mission District as a lieutenant during a turbulent time following George Floyd’s death and the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges. Johansen described how it was difficult to witness the struggles of her beloved community.
In response to questions about her role as a police captain, Johansen emphasized that her presence as a woman and a person of color signifies change. She takes her responsibility seriously, recognizing that her actions are closely scrutinized by the community.
In discussing the effectiveness of the Mobile Command Unit implemented at the 16th Street Plaza, Johansen noted its success in the short term. However, she expressed the need for a safe and clean environment for community members to thrive.
Johansen highlighted the layered nature of measuring success in law enforcement, stating that numbers alone do not define progress. For her, the ultimate goal is to empower the community to reclaim public spaces without relying on a significant police presence.
Addressing the state of the 16th Street Plaza, Johansen mentioned her desire to avoid overwhelming police presence while also enforcing illegal vending regulations. She seeks a balance that allows residents to walk to work and school without the current unsightly conditions on 16th and Mission.
Regarding the potential of shifting the command center or expanding operations to other parts of the neighborhood, Johansen clarified that no additional command center would be implemented unless it became necessary in response to evolving needs.
Community concerns about drug users being displaced were also addressed. Johansen acknowledged this trend as predictable but emphasized the importance of following and addressing criminal activities as they shift locations.
Focusing on the two blocks of Mission between 14th and 16th streets, Johansen noted an increase in criminal activity and unpermitted vending on weekends. She pointed out the necessity of coordinated efforts involving agencies like the Mission Street Team, Public Works, and law enforcement to tackle these challenges.
Johansen highlighted the role of outreach in preventing enforcement actions, emphasizing that offering shelter before police intervention has proven effective in managing community issues.
Concerned about the growing drug presence in Mission Street, she was steadfast in her belief that her department employs various strategies to address the issue, ensuring public safety through both visible and undercover operations.
As she navigates the complexities of managing police resources, Johansen recognizes the importance of foot patrol presence but faces challenges in staffing levels. The community’s mixed feelings on police visibility add to the complexity.
Trust-building remains a central theme in Johansen’s approach. Drawing on her own experiences, she aims to connect with residents by conducting meetings in accessible community spaces.
“I try really hard to let people see me as a person,” Johansen said, acknowledging the long-lasting effects of distrust in law enforcement.
As residents voice their frustrations about drug use migrating to Mission Street, Johansen is prepared to address these concerns proactively.
She described a commitment to collaborate with various agencies to manage the shifting criminal elements and maintain accountability in public safety procedures.
On the weekends, Johansen acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining an active police presence, especially with staffing limitations and the varying availability of city agencies like Public Works.
Reflecting on the recent departure of SFPD Chief Bill Scott, Johansen expressed her admiration for his leadership and the impact he had on her professional journey as a woman of color in law enforcement.
Despite the demands of her job, Johansen noted that the hours take a toll on her personal life. Striking a balance between work and home was a constant challenge, and she often found herself still working even outside her scheduled hours.
Johansen shared her experiences of being approached by community members outside of work, indicating that it can be challenging to separate her personal and professional life due to the nature of her role.
Despite these challenges, she remains dedicated to her duties and deeply values her team. In closing, Johansen emphasized the importance of connection between officers and the community, urging residents to engage positively with law enforcement.
“When they see an officer, try to put all negativity aside and just go up and say, ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank you,’” she suggested, recognizing the mutual benefit of building relationships between officers and the community they serve.
image source from：missionlocal
