Captain Eric Kim provided valuable information and answered questions as our guest speaker last week. A 28-year veteran of SFPD, he recently was named Captain of Central Station, which covers the Wharf, North Beach, Financial District and more, including many of the city's major tourist attractions.
Captain Kim warned that auto burglaries are increasingly being done by gang members carrying guns who also commit armed robbery against individuals. If you witness a burglary, call police and don't get involved. He said police are using "bait cars" in an attempt to catch these criminals. Organized crime has also been involved in retail theft operations.
Responding to concerns of vendors on the Wharf, Captain Kim said police have no authority over vendors selling food and merchandise – those come under the Department of Public Health. Police can make arrests only for illegal sale of alcohol. He added that Central Station officers will be trained in the encampment laws to learn how to deal with the homeless. The Department of Public Works is the lead agency.
Captain Kim said his personal goals include improved communication with local organizations and the business community. Staffing is an ongoing problem because more officers are retiring than the number being hired. In closing he urged anyone with concerns to contact him by email or phone.