SFPD Addresses Safety for Pride Weekend 24-068

The San Francisco Police Department is dedicated to making this year’s Pride weekend of celebration safe and enjoyable.  San Francisco Pride is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world and one of San Francisco’s most popular and well-attended events.  With large crowds expected, including guests from around the world, providing safety with respect for all is our number one priority.

"The City and County of San Francisco has long been and continues to be a safe haven and a beacon of hope for members of the LGBTQ Community”, said Police Chief William Scott. “Throughout PRIDE month, The San Francisco Police Department is working closely with event organizers and our partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that the LGBTQ community can celebrate a safe and joyful PRIDE."

Our department will be staffed to handle all calls for service citywide and to provide adequate public safety staffing at Pride events throughout Pride Month. Our officers will be vigilant for unlawful or unsafe activity and will respond as appropriate.  As with any large event, there are always safety concerns.  Safety is everyone’s responsibility, including participants, organizers, security staff, and law enforcement.

Pride participants can help avoid becoming a victim of a crime by keeping in mind the following safety tips:  

• Pride is about community.  Look out for each other and report any suspicious persons or activity to event staff or a police officer.  A good adage is, “If you see something, say something.”  In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To provide an anonymous tip, call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444. 
• Stay informed of emergencies or significant events by signing up for emergency text message alerts by texting PRIDESF to 888-777. AlertSF allows us to notify you of emergencies in San Francisco. 
• Keep your friends close and your drinks closer. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive- always use a designated driver. 
• The San Francisco Bay Area has a host of public transit options that will get you to, from, and around Pride events.   
• If you drive to the festivities, remember to “Park Smart!” Take your valuables with you, don’t leave them inside your car.  
• Maintain possession of your cell phone, wallet, and other valuables.   
• There is safety in numbers. Stay with a group when on the street or leaving bars and clubs.  Be cautious about leaving a bar or club with a stranger.  A rule of thumb is that if you feel “unsure” about someone, rely on that instinct, and do not go with that person.