Two San Francisco County jails were placed on lockdown Sunday afternoon due to an increase in attacks against jail deputies. The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SFDSA) issued a request for help from the National Guard to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within the jails. At least seven staff members have been injured by inmates since March 29, including two who sustained serious injuries. SFDSA president Ken Lomba demanded that city leaders request the deployment of the California National Guard to assist with staffing issues.
Lomba highlighted the escalating violence within San Francisco jails, emphasizing that the situation demands immediate action. Incidents of prisoner fights increased by 58% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while attacks on inmates by other inmates rose by 79% over the same period. The SFDSA stressed the urgent need for increased staffing and National Guard support, questioning whether city officials would prioritize hiring more deputy sheriffs and deploying the National Guard.
The safety and well-being of deputies, inmates, and the community are at risk, according to Lomba. It is crucial that swift and decisive action be taken to address staffing shortages and ensure a safer environment for all individuals involved. Due to the lockdowns, visitations, programs, and services at the jails have been canceled. The San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office stated that attacks on deputies directly impact the safety of everyone in the jails, including staff, community members, and incarcerated individuals. Normal operations are expected to resume next week.
The crisis within San Francisco County jails has been worsening since 2020, according to Lomba. Urgent action is needed to address the pressing issue of increasing violence and bolster safety and security within the jails. The SFDSA’s demand for increased staffing and National Guard support raises critical questions regarding the priorities of Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin in addressing the situation.
The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incidents to determine their root causes and prevent future occurrences. Identifying and addressing the factors contributing to the assaults is imperative to ensure the safety of everyone within the jails. The SFDSA’s call for intervention highlights the severity of the situation and the need for collaboration between city officials, law enforcement, and other agencies to address the escalating violence and maintain security within the San Francisco County jails.
