SFPD Address Public Safety for 2013 Pride Week Celebrations

In anticipation of the 2013 Pride Week celebrations at various locations in San Francisco during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, the San Francisco Police Department is dedicated to making the events safe and enjoyable.

San Francisco Pride Week is the largest LGBT event in the country, and one of San Francisco’s most popular and well-attended public events. With an estimated up to one million people attending, locally and from all over the world, public safety is our number one goal.

There will be a significant police presence during the activities, with both uniformed and plain clothes officers on duty to monitor the events. As with any large public event, there are always safety concerns. Safety is the responsibility of all parties involved including participants, organizers, security staff and the police.

This year, like last year, Pink Saturday will be an alcohol free event. The event organizers are promoting this event as a neighborhood celebration for the LGBT Community. To assist with this celebration, police officers will patrol the venue and will be alert for persons possessing open containers of, or consuming alcoholic beverages, on streets, sidewalks and parks.

Participants can help prevent becoming a victim of a crime by using common sense and keeping in mind safety tips:

• Look out for each other and report any suspicious persons or activity to bar staff, Pride event staff or a police officer. A good adage is, “If you see something, say something.”
• Drink responsibly and be aware of your drink.
• Keep your friends close and your drinks closer.
• Don’t drink and drive; Always use a designated driver.
• Maintain possession of your cell phone, iPod, wallet and other valuables.

One of the best protections is staying as a group with friends when on the street or leaving bars and clubs. Be cautious about leaving a bar or club alone with a stranger. A rule of thumb is that, if a person feels “unsure” about another, rely on that instinct and do not go with that person.

“The San Francisco Police Department joins the LGBT community at large in celebrating Pride Week,” said Police Chief Greg Suhr. “Along with our members, we’re working with many groups in a spirit of cooperation and good-will to make Pride Week 2013 a positive and safe experience for all.”

By working together we can make this a Safe Pride!