New Police Captain Takes Helm at Richmond Station

By Jeremiah Michaels

There is a new top cop at the Richmond Police Station. He is dressed like some of the other officers, in a black SF Police Department (SFPD) T-shirt and black slacks. He greets people with a smile and a firm handshake. But he isn't an ordinary patrol officer - he is the new station captain.

Capt. Jere Williams, who has been on the job since Sept. 17, has served as a Police Department leader for the past four years.

Williams is replacing Capt. Sandra Tong, who was in command at the Richmond Station for the past five years. She has been transferred to the police department's homeland security detail.

David Heller, president of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants and Property Owners Association, says Williams is "very refreshing to have around." Recently, Heller met with Williams to discuss matters in the neighborhood.

"I feel good to have someone like that in control," Heller said.

Overall, Williams has been with the SFPD for 29 years. Before making captain, he served the department doing "old fashioned" police work as well as department duties. He was an inspector for seven years and, while a lieutenant, worked for the department's sex crimes unit. The new appointment is not the first time the captain has worked at the Richmond Station.

"I was stationed out here for about three months a long time ago," he said. Williams moved to San Francisco when he was two years old and grew up here, attending city schools.

Prior to his new job guiding the Richmond Station, he was the commanding officer at the San Francisco International Airport. Williams said being responsible for the airport and being responsible for the Richmond are like "apples and oranges."

The airport had different challenges, such as terrorism threats. The officers at the airport would often conduct drills involving large-scale attacks and airplane crashes.

"The airport was a customer service effort," he said. "Out in the Richmond, we are more on the reactionary side, responding to community needs."

Although the Richmond does not have the international foot traffic that a major airport does, it does have its share of problems.

"Crime exists, there is no way around it," said Williams.

While captain of the station, Williams is dedicated to addressing certain problems that have recently arisen. Specifically, he sees traffic density and theft as reasons for concern.

Heller said some of the main concerns that people along Geary Boulevard have are mainly traffic oriented, such as speeding and double parking, which blocks the flow of traffic.

Nick Buzanski, a book buyer at Green Apple Books on Clement Street, agrees with Heller's traffic synopsis.

"The congestion on Clement Street is ridiculous. A lot of merchants double park and people get upset. The number of horns you hear can get ridiculous," Buzanski said.

Another problem is theft, which might pick up during the upcoming Christmas season, according to Williams.

"People go downtown to shop. There they are pick-pocketed or their packages are stolen when they set them down."

Auto theft is also on the rise in the neighborhood. Williams said the station is currently setting up sting operations to catch car thieves in the act. The new district captain has identified these problems and vows to give them attention.

Williams is currently working with community organizations, such as the Geary Merchants, to address the problems. He said the departments effort at safety and educating the public will continue. Utilizing some of the resources he has available, the captain hopes to connect with the community. There are meetings open to the public that take place every third Tuesday of the month. The meeting times are staggered to allow for "different groups" to attend, Williams said.

"Older people don't want to walk home in the dark," he said.

The Richmond district community meetings are held at the Richmond Police Station on the third Tuesday of every month. In October, it will be held on the 16th. For more information, call the station at (415) 666-8000.