San Francisco police are facing possible budget cuts that could result in 167 officers — or 11 percent of the force — and 43 civilians being laid off as the pandemic prompts city departments to tighten their belts.
The San Francisco Police Department is anticipating a nearly $37 million reduction in support from The City’s general fund under its two-year budget proposal being presented Wednesday to the Police Commission, the San Francisco Examiner reports.
The possible reduction could mean layoffs for a department that already experienced cuts to its overtime spending, academy classes and vacant positions amid calls to defund the police during the last budget cycle.
The possible staffing cuts come amid fears of rising crime in San Francisco after a weekend of shootings and a series of high-profile killings since New Year’s Eve.