Two San Francisco County jails were placed on lockdown due to an increase in attacks against jail deputies. The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SFDSA) issued a statement highlighting the rise in prisoner fights, attacks on prisoners by other inmates, and injuries to staff members. The association’s president, Ken Lomba, called for the deployment of the California National Guard to assist with staffing issues, citing a severe escalation in violence within the jails since 2020. The SFDSA reported that there were at least 240 incidents of prisoner fights in 2023, a 58% increase from the previous year, and a 79% rise in attacks on inmates against other inmates.
In a letter to San Francisco city leaders, Lomba demanded immediate action to address the escalating violence and ensure the safety and security within the jails. The SFDSA emphasized the need for increased staffing and National Guard support, posing a question about whether Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin will prioritize hiring more deputy sheriffs and deploying the National Guard. Lomba stressed that the safety and well-being of deputies, inmates, and the community are at risk, requiring swift and decisive action to address staffing shortages and create a safer environment for all involved.
Due to the lockdowns, visitations, programs, and services at the San Francisco County jails have been canceled, impacting the operations within the facilities. The San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office stated that attacks on deputies directly impact the safety of everyone in the jail, including staff, community members working in the jail, and incarcerated individuals. The office is actively investigating the incidents to determine the root causes and potential correlations to prevent future assaults. Despite the challenges, officials have stated that normal operations are expected to resume next week, indicating a commitment to addressing the security concerns and maintaining order within the jails.
The escalating violence within the San Francisco jails has drawn attention to the need for intervention and support in ensuring the safety of all individuals within the facilities. The SFDSA’s call for increased staffing and National Guard assistance highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to address the challenges faced by deputies, inmates, and staff members. The rising incidents of prisoner fights and attacks underscore the pressing need for measures to prevent further occurrences and improve the safety and security within the jails. San Francisco city leaders are urged to prioritize the deployment of resources to address the crisis and protect the well-being of those within the county jails.
The request for the California National Guard to assist with staffing issues reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the need for external support in addressing the escalating violence within the San Francisco jails. The SFDSA’s demand for increased resources and enhanced security measures underscores the critical state of affairs and the significance of taking immediate action to prevent further harm to deputies and inmates. Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin are urged to prioritize the hiring of more deputy sheriffs and the deployment of the California National Guard to address the staffing shortages and ensure a safer environment for all individuals within the jails. The community’s safety and well-being are at stake, necessitating prompt and effective measures to address the security challenges faced by the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office and its staff members.
