The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA) has made the difficult decision not to endorse Paul Miyamoto for Sheriff in the upcoming election. This decision comes after careful consideration of the current state of our department and the pressing issues that remain unaddressed.

Inadequate Staffing Levels

One of the most critical issues facing our department is the chronic understaffing that has plagued us for years. Despite numerous appeals for more hiring, the current management has not taken sufficient action to rectify the situation. The authorized number of deputies in our jails is 389, yet we only have 285 deputies on duty. This 26.71% shortfall severely hampers our ability to maintain safety and order within the facilities.

Rising Incidents of Violence

The understaffing crisis directly impacts the safety of both deputies and inmates. In 2023, there were 240 documented prisoner vs. prisoner fights, representing a significant increase from previous years. The previous year had 58% fewer fights, indicating that the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Adequate staffing is essential to preventing such incidents and ensuring a safe environment for all.

Failure to Address Critical Issues

Despite being fully aware of these challenges, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto has not implemented effective strategies to address them. Our appeals for increased staffing, better resource allocation, and proactive measures to improve safety have largely gone unanswered. This lack of responsiveness and action from the highest levels of leadership is unacceptable.

Impact on Deputy Morale and Public Safety

The consequences of inadequate staffing extend beyond the jail walls. Deputies are consistently overworked, leading to burnout and decreased morale. The reliance on forced overtime and the practice of calling in deputies on their days off compromise the well-being of our members and the quality of service we can provide to the public. This situation is unsustainable and poses a risk to the safety and security of our community.

Lack of Support for Legislative Efforts

The SFDSA has actively engaged with city leaders to advocate for changes that would benefit our department and the public. Unfortunately, Sheriff Miyamoto has not shown the necessary support for these efforts. Whether it is securing hiring bonuses for deputies or updating the administrative and transportation codes to reflect the needs of our department, the lack of proactive engagement from Sheriff Miyamoto has been a significant obstacle.

A Call for New Leadership

It is clear that new leadership is required to address the challenges facing the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. We need a Sheriff who will prioritize the safety and well-being of deputies and inmates alike, someone who will listen to the concerns of our members and take decisive action to improve conditions within our jails.

The SFDSA’s decision not to endorse Paul Miyamoto for Sheriff is based on a comprehensive assessment of his tenure and the critical issues that remain unresolved. We believe that our department and our community deserve better. It is time for a change in leadership that will bring a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges we face and ensuring a safer, more effective Sheriff’s Department.

The SFDSA remains committed to advocating for the best interests of our members and the public we serve. We look forward to supporting a candidate who will prioritize these values and work tirelessly to address the pressing issues at hand.