Full Measure After Hours: Crime in the Big City — A Turnaround? (From the Archives) Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In this special From the Archives episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Cheryl Akeson delves into a significant shift in San Francisco's notoriously crime-ridden Tenderloin district. This episode examines whether recent improvements signify a one-time event or the beginning of a broader turnaround in urban crime trends across America.

Background: The Tenderloin District’s Struggles

Cheryl Akeson sets the stage by describing the Tenderloin district's transformation over the past years. Once celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, trendy restaurants, and historic theaters, the neighborhood had become synonymous with open-air drug markets and rampant crime.

“[...] it’s become home to an infamous open air drug market in recent years where drug dealing is allowed to occur. Drug using right out there with kids walking past on their way home from school. It’s a dangerous and seedy place.”
— Cheryl Akeson [00:44]

During her initial visit a year prior, Akeson noticed a stark lack of police presence despite the high levels of visible drug activity.

“In all the hours we spent in the Tenderloin, we didn't see one uniformed police officer along the most notorious strip...”
— Cheryl Akeson [04:18]

Catalysts for Change: Community and Political Action

The turning point came in February 2023 when local businesses, feeling the brunt of declining tourism and customer turnover due to the drug markets, organized to demand action. They signed a petition urging Mayor London Breed to take decisive measures against the rampant crime.

“Tenderloin businesses organized and signed a petition demanding their tax money back. They didn't get that, but they did get the ear of Mayor Breed.”
— Randy Shaw [05:21]

Randy Shaw, Director of Tenderloin Housing Clinic, highlights the collective efforts that led to significant changes:

“There’s a strategy of two things. One, making it a national and international issue... And also realizing it became... it's now accepted in San Francisco that it's not just Tenderloin stakeholders who are impacted by these drug markets.”
— Randy Shaw [05:57]

Leadership Change: From Chesa Boudin to Brooke Jenkins

A pivotal element in the district's turnaround was the replacement of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was perceived as soft on crime and failed to prosecute drug-related felonies effectively. His recall and the appointment of Brooke Jenkins marked a significant shift in the city's approach to law enforcement.

“Our new DA, Brooke Jenkins... cracking down on drug markets will be your top priority. And she's lived up to that.”
— Randy Shaw [07:10]

Jenkins' proactive stance revitalized police motivation:

“The police now are more motivated because they know if they arrest someone, they're going to be prosecuted, which was not the case with Chesa Boudin.”
— Randy Shaw [07:10]

Implemented Strategies and Their Impact

Under Jenkins' leadership, the police adopted more aggressive tactics, including increased patrols and the implementation of beat controls to disrupt drug activities effectively.

“We need beat controls, beat officers walking the beat and disrupting it. And the disruption strategy has not just moved dealers a few blocks away...”
— Randy Shaw [12:02]

As a result, the two major drug markets in the Tenderloin saw a significant decline in active dealers. While some drug activity persists, the number of new drug markets has not increased, indicating a stabilizing environment.

“There’s been no block in San Francisco that now has drug dealers and a drug market that didn’t have it before the crackdown.”
— Randy Shaw [12:36]

Community and Economic Revival

The reduction in visible drug activity has had a positive ripple effect on local businesses and tourism. Theater performances, community events, and downtown activities have seen increased attendance as the area becomes safer and more welcoming.

“People don’t come to the theater downtown, they don’t come to City Hall events... There’s a lot of theater and community events that are suffering because people don’t want to be around that.”
— Randy Shaw [06:29]

Non-Partisan Collaboration and Future Prospects

Interestingly, the efforts to revitalize the Tenderloin have transcended typical partisan divides. Although primarily supported by Democrats, the initiative underscores that effective crime reduction can unify diverse political factions.

“This is not a partisan Democrat versus Republican issue. I assume most everybody here is. Everyone's a Democrat and it's Democrats who overwhelmingly supported the recall and brought in...”
— Randy Shaw [13:28]

Looking forward, there is cautious optimism that the strategies implemented will yield long-term improvements. Ongoing commitment from both law enforcement and the community is essential to sustain and build upon the progress made.

“She and the chief said we know this has to go on for months and I think the political winds are such that once we clear these areas for months, they're not going to let it go back.”
— Randy Shaw [13:54]

Conclusion

The transformation of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district serves as a compelling case study in urban crime reduction. Through community organization, strategic leadership changes, and coordinated law enforcement efforts, significant strides have been made in curbing drug-related crimes. While challenges remain, the positive trends offer hope for other cities grappling with similar issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Cheryl Akeson [00:44]: “it’s become home to an infamous open air drug market in recent years where drug dealing is allowed to occur.”

• Randy Shaw [05:57]: “making it a national and international issue... it's now accepted in San Francisco that it's not just Tenderloin stakeholders who are impacted by these drug markets.”

• Randy Shaw [07:10]: “cracking down on drug markets will be your top priority. And she's lived up to that.”

• Randy Shaw [12:02]: “We need beat controls, beat officers walking the beat and disrupting it...”

• Randy Shaw [13:54]: “once we clear these areas for months, they're not going to let it go back.”

This episode of Full Measure After Hours provides an insightful exploration into how targeted community efforts and leadership changes can influence urban crime dynamics, offering valuable lessons for cities nationwide facing similar challenges.