BART joins new partnership to improve conditions at Civic Center Station
BART is teaming up with the City of San Francisco and the San Francisco Police Department on a new joint plan to improve public health and safety conditions at Civic Center Station.
The comprehensive action plan will increase the number of officers patrolling the station as well as closely align existing health strategies.
“These beefed up patrols build on the strong relationship that has already been established between BART and the City of San Francisco,” said BART General Manager Grace Crunican. “Our latest budget reflects our commitment to safety by providing $1.6 million to fund Homeless Outreach Teams, elevator attendants, and other quality of life initiatives at our downtown San Francisco stations.”
Under the plan, SFPD will dedicate an extra 290 officer hours a week to patrol the Civic Center Station area, a more than fourfold increase from existing levels. BART will increase its patrol staffing levels by 78 hours a week. That’s an increase of 30%
“Since taking the lead of the BART Police Department a year ago, I have made boosting the visible presence of our officers a top priority,” said BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas. “We think the ongoing efforts of our officers combined with this boost from the San Francisco Police Department will make a big impact on public safety that will be noticed by our riders.”
In addition to the enforcement component, a new syringe disposal kiosk has been installed at the United Nations Plaza near the entrance to the Civic Center Station.
BART and other partners will coordinate services through the City’s Healthy Streets Operation Center, a multiagency initiative to address homelessness and street behavior issues in San Francisco. The partners will work collaboratively to ensure residents experiencing homelessness, including those suffering from mental illness and substance use issues, receive the health and social services and support required for their recovery.
"Without actively engaging city services, we can't make Civic Center Station what it should be," said BART Director Bevan Dufty, who represents San Francisco on the BART Board. "We will continue to work together on housing, treatment, and care."