Capt. Marsha Ashe: Police Beat

Before I became interested in law enforcement, journalism appealed to me. As I had neither talent nor education in the field, this remained an unfulfilled aspiration of a young woman trying to figure out what she wanted to be if she ever grew up.

Twenty years later, I am grown up and privileged to be the new captain of the Richmond Police District. Staring at the empty, hatefully wordless computer screen reminds me of the above-mentioned lack of talent. It's close to midnight.

After all these years, I have my first deadline only hours away and absolutely no clue how to write a monthly column for the Richmond Review. This ice-cold, palm-sweating experience convinces me I made the right decision to become a police officer and not a journalist. I can't handle the fear!

I took over the district from Capt. Ed Springer. My previous assignment, in the Ingleside District, was my first district command. Prior to that, I had a citywide range as supervising night captain. Both assignments taught me a lot about what worked and, just as importantly, what didn't work but was worth the try.

So far in the district, I have walked a few beats, attended as many meetings as I could, introduced myself to merchants and citizens and shaken enough hands to run for office. I have walked away from each encounter excited about the accomplishments and the remaining challenges.

The following are two examples of why my initial and remaining impression of the officers and citizens in the district is a very favorable one.

In January, the officers of the Richmond District had an unfortunate opportunity to demonstrate remarkable tenacity and courage. An extremely violent crook was stalking women to viciously attack and rob them.

Within two days of the first attack, sergeants William Dougherty and Steve Zimmerman had correctly identified this as a series and set about the daunting task to end this siege. Dougherty and Zimmerman put together a tireless team of officers to follow potential suspects.

Many of these officers volunteered to extend their hours after already working a midnight shift, which resulted in 14 to 16 hour days for them. Why? The simple answer for police officers has always been "because it is our job." It is what we promised to do. Sounds corny, I know, but for most San Francisco police officers, this seemingly canned response sums it up perfectly.

After weeks of following the wrong guys, on the morning of Jan. 30 they began to follow "the one." In police work, knowing "the one" is like hitting the sweet spot in baseball and you know it's a home run.

Shortly after following the suspect, but before the team had probable cause to arrest him, he knocked a woman to the ground and began to beat her. Within seconds, officers had the suspect in custody, saving the woman from additional injury.

In February, I had the opportunity to walk with SF SAFE and the Golden Gate Park Safety Committee. This night walk/run is scheduled monthly to encourage the safe and healthy use of Golden Gate Park. The group organizes the routes, provides water and snacks and has safety equipment available. It's a chance to safely enjoy an evening in the park and a wonderful chance to meet neighbors.

The next run/walk is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. and begins at Kezar Stadium at the Frederick Street entrance. The event includes all levels and pace preferences, which make for an energizing walk. I'd like to encourage more people to join. It is a wonderful example of an engaged community in action.

I hope the excellent cops and community in this district will be a saving grace for writing this column. I hope that pride and enthusiasm will make up for the above-mentioned lack of writing talent.

I hope in the months and years ahead that this column introduces you to many of the officers who work for you, provides some insight into a world-class police department and provides some answers when you may disagree about that "world class" part.

I hope to be able to hear from and meet as many of you as possible in our monthly community/police forums, in business meetings, neighborhood block meetings and in district events. I hope these meetings lead us to improve the way in which police services are provided. And I really hope that with each passing month, the writing gets easier and the deadline less frightening.

Until next month, stay safe.

Capt. Marsha Ashe is the commanding officer at the Richmond Police Station. She can be reached at CaptainAshe@msn.com.