DA George Gascon Defends Prosecution Record

District Attorney George Gascon and police Captain Robert Yick discuss the property crime epidemic in San Francisco with Stop Crime SF vice president Joel Engardio

It was great to have District Attorney George Gascon and police Captain Robert Yick on a panel to discuss the property crime epidemic in San Francisco. Solving this complex problem will require every part of the criminal justice system working hard together. Gascon answered many engaging questions from the Westside audience.

Watch the full video, where Gascon defends his prosecution record during a property crime epidemic. San Francisco Police Captain Robert Yick gives a policing update. Supervisor Norman Yee shares his legislative victory to reduce rental car break-ins. Stop Crime SF Vice President Joel Engardio offers a crime status overview.

Video highlights:
01:53 — How safe is San Francisco? Joel Engardio provides statistics and context
05:41 — What is Stop Crime SF and how does Court Watch work?
12:20 — Police Captain Robert Yick on latest crime trends
25:22 — District Attorney George Gascon opening statement
39:00 — Gascon on Prop 47
41:17 — Gascon says "be well-informed before making assumptions"
47:20 — Gascon explains the Humphrey case and the end of money bail
54:54 — Supervisor Norman Yee on neighborhood-focused police efforts
56:39 — Supervisor Norman Yee on car rental legislation success
1:04:35 — Gascon on what to do when money bail is no longer an option
1:05:22 — Gascon on the limits of electronic monitoring: "it's abysmal"
1:07:16 — Assistant District Attorney Margaret Buitrago on the effectiveness of Court Watch volunteers
1:15:01 — Gascon questioned about prosecution in San Francisco versus San Mateo: Is San Francisco more lenient?
1:17:17 — Gascon on bail changes and legislative solutions
1:19:04 — Gascon questioned on frustration people feel about public safety when money bail is gone and risk assessment tools aren't perfect.

This forum was sponsored by the Golden Gate Neighborhood Association. Kyra Worthy, the executive director of SF SAFE, also spoke about its security camera program and how the non-profit helps residents and neighborhoods become better prepared to prevent crime.