SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced on August 29 that 18 new public safety cameras within Stockton street in Chinatown are now operational. The new public safety cameras, which were funded by SF SAFE & The Northeast Community Federal Credit Union, have been placed in effort to create a safer community for residents & visitors.

“I am pleased that these public safety cameras are now installed,” said Mayor Breed. “They are part of our broader efforts to help Chinatown continue to be an incredible community that is welcoming for both residents and visitors—including expanding the number of police officers walking beats and creating a drop-in center for people to be able to report crimes. By working together with the community, we can continue to keep Chinatown safe,” said Mayor Breed

The cameras range from the tunnel at Sacramento Street to Washington Street. The project is being led by OEWD & is a portion to a wider approach of improving the residence & visitor experience in Chinatown. OEWD, along with Self Help For The Elderly, also invests in a bicultural & bilingual manager to manage Chinatown’s daily activities.

“I am pleased to see the City moved forward with this camera program. Two years ago, I funded increased public safety resources at the Ping Yuen housing projects, including security cameras,” said San Francisco Board of Supervisor Aaron Peskin. “Building on the success of that camera program, I allocated $45,000 from the Chinatown Central Subway Mitigation Fund to outfit the Stockton corridor with state-of-the-art security cameras. Central Station has also committed an increased police presence on Stockton Street. We know that the best way to ensure the public feels safe in their neighborhoods is to listen to the feedback from residents and merchants.”

“These cameras will support Stockton Street merchants and strengthen the resiliency, safety and vibrancy of Chinatown,” said Joaquín Torres, Director of OEWD. “Community feedback directly shaped this investment, and we look forward to continued partnership with local merchants and residents to ensure that Chinatown and our commercial districts citywide are safe, clean and welcoming for all.”

According to a press release from the Mayor’s Office, Northeast Community Federal Credit Union is “a nonprofit, member owned, community development credit union that promotes grass-roots community development through financial stability, economic literacy, small business development, and home ownership in the Chinatown, Tenderloin, and SoMa neighborhoods.”

While SF SAFE “engages, educates, and empowers San Franciscans to build safer neighborhoods through crime prevention, education, and public safety services that result in stronger, more vibrant and resilient communities.”

Written By Erick Soto and Donald Roberts