During his State of the City address on January 15, 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie highlighted something that San Franciscans can genuinely celebrate: 2025 is on track to be one of the safest years in the city’s history.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Homicides haven’t been this low since 1954 (a historic milestone marking 70 years of progress!). Crime citywide is down nearly 30%, with car break-ins at a 22-year low and traffic deaths dropping 42%.
These statistics represent neighborhoods where families feel safer, streets where small-business owners can thrive, and communities where people want to live again.
WATCH: Mayor Lurie’s State of City Address (transcript)
Central to this turnaround is a renewed investment in the San Francisco Police Department. The mayor announced that applications to join SFPD have surged 54%, and for the first time since 2018, the city is growing its ranks of officers and Sheriff’s deputies. This recruitment success signals a crucial point: people want to serve San Francisco’s communities.
The mayor also marked a leadership transition at SFPD, thanking interim Chief Paul Yep for paving the way for Chief Derrick Lew, a 20-year veteran who understands that public safety is directly tied to addressing the drug crisis on our streets:
“…Chief Lew, who has been serving neighborhoods across our city for more than 20 years, understands that our recovery is directly tied to our ability to tackle the drug crisis and reduce drug dealing and drug use on our streets.”
And public safety isn’t just about enforcement. The mayor emphasized a comprehensive approach: the upgraded Real-Time Investigation Center now uses state-of-the-art technology to keep people safe. The “Breaking the Cycle” program brings together health services, social services, law enforcement, and emergency responders, combining nine neighborhood outreach teams into a unified effort.
The results are tangible. Shelter placements increased 40%. Encampments dropped 44% from 2024. The city opened 600 new treatment-focused beds.
As Mayor Lurie stated, “Public safety is the foundation for San Francisco’s recovery, and it will always be my north star as mayor.”
Want to help build a safer San Francisco? The San Francisco Police Community Foundation brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors to support our police officers and strengthen community safety.
Through private donations from San Franciscans like you, we provide officers with better tools and resources while building trust between police and the communities they serve. Learn more today!
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