(Rightallegiance.com) – San Francisco’s correctional facilities faced a dramatic escalation in violence this weekend, prompting a lockdown of two county jails and a plea for assistance from the California National Guard. The lockdown, initiated Sunday afternoon, reflects growing concerns about inmate safety and staffing challenges within the jails.
Recent weeks have seen a disturbing increase in violence within these facilities. According to the San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SFDSA), the community has been rattled by a notable uptick in prisoner fights and assaults on inmates by their peers, alongside injuries to both civilian staff and deputy sheriffs. “These dangerous incidents underscore the pressing need for intervention to ensure the safety and security of all within the jails,” the SFDSA stated in a recent press release.
The situation appears to have worsened significantly since late March, with the sheriff’s office reporting that at least seven staff members have been assaulted by inmates, two of whom sustained serious injuries. The violence has reached such a level that Ken Lomba, president of the SFDSA, has officially called on city leaders to deploy the National Guard to help manage the crisis. “I am writing to urgently address the escalating violence within the San Francisco Jails, a situation that demands immediate action,” Lomba wrote in a letter to city officials.
This call to action comes against the backdrop of a worsening safety crisis that Lomba says has escalated since 2020. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues promptly to restore safety and maintain order within the jails. The SFDSA reported a staggering increase in violent incidents, with at least 240 prisoner fights recorded in 2023 alone, marking a 58% increase from the previous year. Attacks by inmates on other inmates have also surged by 79% during the same period.
Lomba’s appeal raises significant questions about the priorities of local governance. “As the situation in San Francisco County Jails reaches a critical point, the SFDSA’s demand for increased staffing and National Guard support raises a crucial question: ‘Will Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin prioritize the hiring of more deputy sheriffs and the deployment of the California National Guard?’” Lomba queried.
Reinforcing the gravity of the situation, Lomba reiterated, “The safety and well-being of deputies, inmates, and the community hang in the balance. It is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to address staffing shortages and ensure a safer environment for all.”
The lockdown has led to the suspension of visitations, programs, and other services, significantly impacting the daily operations of the jails. “Attacks on deputies directly affect the safety of everyone in jail, including our staff, community members who work in the jail, and the incarcerated,” the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office explained.
Despite the current restrictions, officials are hopeful that normal operations can resume by next week. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office is diligently working to understand the root causes of the recent spike in violence. “We are actively investigating these incidents to ascertain their root causes and any potential correlation. It is imperative that we identify and address the factors contributing to these assaults to prevent future occurrences,” the sheriff’s office stated.
The call for National Guard assistance underscores the severity of the situation, pointing to a potential shift in how city authorities handle corrections and law enforcement challenges. As the community and officials grapple with these issues, the coming days will be crucial in shaping the future of public safety in San Francisco’s correctional facilities.