Policing the Crisis: Tim Redmond Breaks Down the City’s New Direction
Budget Cuts, Housing Deficits, and the Cost of Cleaning Up the Streets
In a recent Hard Knock Radio conversation, host Davey D spoke with journalist Tim Redmond of 48 Hills about major political and policy shifts in San Francisco under Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration. The interview offered a comprehensive breakdown of how Lurie’s law enforcement–focused response to homelessness, addiction, and public safety is reshaping the city’s priorities—and raising serious concerns.
A Surge in Arrests, but Few Solutions
Mayor Lurie, along with a more conservative Board of Supervisors, has prioritized policing over social services. Redmond explained that arrests for drug use and dealing are up 700%, with users being jailed more frequently than dealers. Many end up in county jail without adequate medical care or addiction support, creating unsafe conditions for both inmates and deputies.
San Francisco jails, once offering GED classes and rehabilitative programs, are now on lockdown due to a rise in violent incidents connected to untreated mental health and addiction issues. Lurie plans to open a new jail wing and expand shelter beds. But critics warn that the shelters are abstinence-only, lack flexibility, and don’t address the underlying need for permanent, affordable housing.
Police Overtime and Budget Priorities
Redmond noted a troubling financial trend: every city department faces a 15% budget cut—except the police. The SFPD is ramping up overtime, with some officers reportedly earning up to $500,000 a year. The number of active-duty officers remains low, despite the department listing over 1,800 positions. The city has struggled to recruit new officers, and the mayor’s plan leans heavily on extended shifts rather than sustainable staffing.
“The city has an $800 million budget deficit,” Redmond said. “But taxing the rich isn’t even on the table.”
Homelessness and Harm Reduction: Shifting Approaches
San Francisco’s long-standing outreach programs are being restructured to include police presence, a move that undermines harm reduction strategies. Redmond shared stories from advocates like Vitka Eisen, who emphasized the importance of voluntary treatment over coercion.
Congregate shelters, limited treatment beds, and punitive drug policies raise questions about the administration’s end goals. As Davey D pointed out, it echoes the “clean-up” strategy once used in Manhattan—where problems weren’t solved, just pushed out of sight.
Tourism Down, Progressives Pushed Back
Tourism has yet to bounce back post-pandemic. Hotel occupancy is around 60%, down from pre-COVID numbers. Redmond attributed this in part to a national narrative portraying San Francisco as unsafe. While Mayor Lurie has tried to shift that image, real economic impacts linger.
On the political side, progressives maintain some presence on the Board of Supervisors but face increasing pressure. The recent firing of Max Carter-Oberstone from the Police Commission, despite his track record for pushing reform, signals a tougher stance on accountability. Even progressive supervisors are occasionally aligning with the mayor.
Later, we bring you a story of urban planning and how race has shaped American cities. In a new book, Hella Town: Oakland’s History of Development and Disruption, Author Mitchell Schwarzer explores the origins and the lasting impacts of transportation improvements, systemic racism, and regional competition on Oakland’s built environment. Schwarzer, an architectural and urban historian, pulls from his experience as a city planner, and educator to tell the story of a city divided.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.