Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

July Community Meeting
There was a good turnout for the July community meeting at the Richmond Recreation Center. Several participants voiced concerns about traffic safety in the Richmond District. In response, I told the group that Richmond officers have increased enforcement activity with specific regard to speeding motorists.

Richmond Station recently acquired a second radar gun, which is being used on a regular basis. In addition, maybe some of you have seen the radar trailer parked at different locations throughout the district in an effort to educate the public so they pay more attention to their driving speed. The radar trailer displays the legal speed limit and then flashes the speed of passing vehicles.

Irina Chatsova, from Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), spoke to the audience about the importance of forming neighborhood watch groups. The premise behind this community-oriented approach to safety is that information shared with neighbors can prevent incidences of crime, accidents or unfortunate events from becoming catastrophic. If you are interested in forming a neighborhood watch group on your block, contact Irina at 673-SAFE for more information.

Homicide Suspect Caught in Richmond
A homicide suspect from San Mateo County was apprehended in the Richmond District on July 16. Officers Alvaro Schor and Kareen Paoletti were patrolling along the Great Highway when they spotted two males leaning against a car in the parking lot near Balboa Street. The officers were carrying a 'wanted' bulletin from the San Mateo Police Department with a photograph of a suspect wanted in a homicide that occurred outside a karaoke bar there.

Officers Schor and Paoletti recognized one of the young males as the suspect from the bulletin. Despite his efforts to evade detection, the officers detained the suspect whose identity was confirmed with a fingerprint machine at Richmond Station. Schor and Paoletti removed a dangerous and wanted felon from the Richmond District and all of us are a little safer for it.

National Night Out
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Aug. 3, for National Night Out.

This year, Richmond Station will be offering hotdogs and condiments for participants. Last year many visitors brought potluck dishes to share with other members of the community. As well, the SFPD's K-9 Unit will give a demonstration on fighting crime with "man' s best friend" as a partner. In addition, there will be a motorcycle officer available to help youngsters straddle one of the SFPD's motorcycles for a photograph. Don't miss out. The event will take place at the mini-park behind Richmond Station.

Capt. Sandra Tong is the commanding officer at the Richmond Police Station.