More than 200 people joined our petition asking the Board of Supervisors to not interfere with Sheriff Paul Miyamoto’s ability to keep jail inmates and the general public safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Our voices were heard and Miyamoto was able to get amendments added to legislation he initially said was “a threat to public safety” because it wouldn’t allow him to add beds to remaining jails upon the closure of an old jail. But why did we have to send letters asking supervisors to let the sheriff do his job in the middle of a pandemic?

This open letter to members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors expresses concerns about proposed video surveillance legislation. The law will significantly limit the ability of law enforcement to fight crime with video cameras and could have unintended consequences that make us less safe. The letter includes suggested amendments.