Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

National Night Out
In 1981, a non-profit crime-prevention organization was created: The National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The organization works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country to develop crime prevention programs.

In 1984, NATW wanted to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts throughout the country, so they introduced National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime."

Law enforcement agencies and communities participate in this annual event on the first Tuesday of August each year. This year, National Night Out will be on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

National Night Out is an extension of our community policing philosophy. It is a day when we encourage residents to build neighborhood spirit and watch out for one another to make your block or neighborhood safer.

The police can't patrol your neighborhood as often as either of us would like, so we rely on you to police your own neighborhood and call us when you observe suspicious individuals or activity or when you observe a crime in progress. The police have developed numerous community policing partnerships throughout the district and we will continue to work with your neighborhood to address your concerns.

I encourage you to organize a block party and get to know your neighbors and to participate in the Police/Community Forum National Night Out event at the Richmond Station, in the community room. The event begins at 6 p.m., with a potluck dinner, so bring a dish to share with the group. The Safety Network and SF SAFE will have crime prevention information and will discuss how to organize neighborhood watch groups.

Out to Pasture
In early July, one of our very special foot patrol officers, Eddie Chow, walked Clement Street for the last time.

Chow has been a visible presence along Clement Street for many years, interacting with merchants and citizens alike with a smile and calm demeanor. He will be missed by the community and by the officers at Richmond Station.

Chow was a special part of our family and we wish him well in his pending retirement and future endeavors.

The good news is the Clement Street beat will not be neglected as we welcome a new foot patrol officer, Eddie Wu.

Wu is not a stranger to the area, as he was assigned as the Operation Outreach officer tending to homeless issues, especially in the Clement and Geary corridors. Wu is bilingual and eager to assume the responsibilities of his new assignment. You will see him on foot and bicycle patrol as well.

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