In October 2023, the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco faced an escalating situation when a group of homeless individuals began squatting in a local residence. Their presence became hard to ignore, with nightly disturbances disrupting the peace and sleep of nearby residents.
As complaints poured in, the San Francisco Police Department, known for prioritizing serious crimes, found that they were not able to act quickly on cases of trespassing. However, for David Burke, the public-safety liaison for District 8, these problems warranted immediate attention.
Burke, along with his counterparts in Districts 4 and 11, serves as a direct link between residents, city supervisors, and the police department. These liaisons focus on community concerns and quality-of-life issues that often fall through the cracks of police priorities.
Upon investigating the squatting incident, Burke recognized one of the squatters as someone with a dangerous history, including setting fires. This crucial information prompted the police to escalate their response, resulting in the squatters being cited for trespassing and cleared from the property.
Simultaneously, Burke reached out to the property owner, who resides in New York, to help secure the house and prevent further squatting. Local business owner Terry Asten Bennett praised Burke’s effectiveness, stating, “He’s an amazing resource for getting stuff done in the Castro.”
Residents in the area have expressed gratitude for Burke’s swift actions. District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman highlighted Burke’s quick response and rapport with the community, emphasizing that his assistance is invaluable, particularly in challenging situations.
Despite this success, questions arise about why only select districts have access to public-safety liaisons like Burke. The primary reason lies in budget constraints, as the city’s finances are currently stretched thin.
As part of the $850 million annual police budget, both Districts 8 and 11 have incorporated the costs of their liaisons into broader police funding. However, in recent years, the city has faced significant cuts, eliminating 470 city positions and reducing contracts by $185 million over two years.
In light of these cuts, some city supervisors argue that the focus should remain on hiring sworn officers rather than civilian employees, although they do see the value in the community engagement roles that liaisons provide. Supervisor Matt Dorsey noted that such liaisons keep a pulse on neighborhood concerns that the police may overlook.
Conversely, not all districts are in favor of having a public-safety liaison. District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton pointed out that his constituents have not expressed the need for such a role, reflecting his commitment to prioritizing community requests.
In districts with multiple police stations, such as District 8, public-safety liaisons like Burke play a more prominent role. Meanwhile, in other areas where there may be fewer resources, keeping tabs on one or two police stations suffices for community needs.
Public-safety liaisons were inspired by former District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy in 2018, who redirected some of his office’s budget to create these roles within the San Francisco Police Department. These liaisons typically earn slightly more than entry-level police officers.
Burke, who is 59 and boasts 18 years of experience in city government, earns $113,000 annually, compared to the $131,000 a new police officer with four years of experience would make.
The community liaisons have garnered appreciation from local supervisors. For instance, District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio praised his liaison, Vindy Chan, for empowering residents, especially during the rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic.
Chan has played a pivotal role in connecting community members with resources, helping to prevent breaks and offering workshops on safety measures.
District 11’s liaison Sam Berenson has also been highlighted as a vital asset, assisting in securing troubled properties and implementing fencing to prevent homeless encampments from proliferating. Supervisor Chyanne Chen recognized his contributions, stating that Berenson’s work allows public safety officers to focus on more pressing emergencies.
Aside from dealing with specific incidents, the liaisons serve to demystify San Francisco’s often convoluted government processes for residents. Burke’s previous experience as an investigator in the city attorney’s office equipped him with a significant understanding of navigating city departments to get tasks done efficiently.
Burke humorously remarked that while the mayor is indeed passionate, he is also quite busy, and often, it is easier to approach the relevant departments directly rather than going through layers of city bureaucracy.
With a capable liaison like Burke in place, residents have seen enhanced communication and resolution of their concerns, often leading to quicker results in the face of issues that might otherwise persist unnoticed.
image source from：missionlocal
