San Francisco, CA — Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development have announced a partnership with the Northeast Community Federal Credit Union and SF SAFE to install public safety cameras in Chinatown. The installation is designed to create a safe and inviting public realm experience in the community for residents, merchants, and visitors.

The project includes the installation of 18 high definition security cameras in Chinatown. It would cover Stockton Street starting from the tunnel at Sacramento Street to Washington Streets.

“These cameras are part of our work to help Chinatown continue to be an incredible community that is welcoming for both residents and visitors,” said Mayor London Breed. “This work includes expanding the number of police officers walking beats and creating a drop-in center for people to be able to report crimes. Working together with the community, we can continue to keep Chinatown safe.”

Footage from the public safety cameras will be used to assist the community and the San Francisco Police Department, should a criminal activity take place. A collateral benefit will be the deterrent effect of publicly visible cameras on potential perpetrators of crime.

"Two years ago, I funded increased public safety resources at the Ping Yuen housing projects, including security cameras," said 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. I'm pleased to see the City finally moving forward with this camera program, as a result." 

The project includes the development of an outreach plan to property owners, merchants, and stakeholders and the management of the equipment installation onto properties. This includes agreements with property owners and the approval of permits for the new cameras. The new cameras are slated to be fully installed in six to eight weeks.

“At SF SAFE, we believe that improving the safety of a community starts within that community. As Chinatown’s safety partner, we’re grateful for our deep ties there and for the valuable feedback we received that prompted the installation of these new security cameras. With this initiative, together we are enhancing safety throughout one of our city’s crown jewel neighborhoods, and ultimately forging a safer San Francisco,” Kyra Worthy, Executive Director, SF SAFE.

"The Northeast Community Federal Credit Union is proud to partner with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and SF SAFE for the implementation of new cameras. This project will not only improve Chinatown's street safety and cleanliness, but it will also provide comfort and support for our merchants and residents." said Lily Lo, Chief Executive Officer at the Northeast Community Federal Credit Union.

This project, led by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, is part of a comprehensive strategy to support diverse small-scale investments aimed at enhancing the visitor and resident experience through economic, safe, and clean programming. Other projects include the installation of ambient light in targeted alleyways in Chinatown during the evenings providing a beautiful spectrum of traditional décor for tourists by day while helping to keep the Chinatown neighborhood feel safe and connected. In partnership with the Portsmouth Square Garage, a discounted parking program is also being offered to residents during the evenings and weekends to not only attract customers to Chinatown but also to prevent car break-ins and theft. And OEWD in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly funds the services of a bilingual and bicultural corridor personnel that manages the day-to-day field activities in Chinatown. The manager also connects with existing businesses on a regular basis and ensure community services are accessible and solutions meet the needs of the corridor and the small businesses.

"The Stockton Street cameras are the latest in a series of community-driven investments to support Chinatown merchants and strengthen the neighborhood," said Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. "In partnership with Mayor Breed, Supervisor Peskin and local nonprofits, we are committed to ensuring that Chinatown remains a clean, safe and welcoming destination for residents and visitors."

Northeast Community Federal Credit Union (NECFCU) in 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.

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.