How can S.F. tell if its approach to the drug crisis is working?

San Francisco city officials report unprecedented collaboration among departments to address the escalating drug crisis, but Supervisor Jackie Fielder stresses the importance of establishing clear metrics to measure success. At a recent Government Audit and Oversight Committee hearing, she raised concerns that efforts to combat drug use in Civic Center and Tenderloin have not led to a decrease in public drug activity, which has reportedly intensified in areas like the 16th Street BART Plaza. Fielder highlighted the city’s “catch-and-release” strategy, questioning its effectiveness when individuals are arrested but not connected to treatment. Police Commander Derrick Lew acknowledged that the current strategy may cause displacement of drug users and dealers, as they move to areas with less enforcement pressure. He noted that the feeling of safety on the streets is often disrupted by large groups of individuals congregating.

Dr. Dan Ciccarone from UCSF criticized the lack of follow-up support for those arrested, advocating for a more effective transition into treatment. The city's approach, which includes the coordination of resources from multiple departments, aims to balance public safety with addiction recovery efforts. This complex situation underscores the need for comprehensive metrics to assess the impact of current strategies.