BART riders may soon see SFPD patrolling stations after viral video sparks response

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ByMatt Keller KGO logo
Monday, May 14, 2018
BART riders may soon see SFPD patrolling stations after viral video
BART police say they're short about 30 officers and if the problem stations are going to be patrolled they're going to need help from San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- BART police say they're short about 30 officers and if the problem stations are going to be patrolled they're going to need help from San Francisco police.

A video went viral in April showing drug addicts shooting up as commuters walked by at the Civic Center BART station.

VIDEO: Why some people are calling BART gross, dangerous, disturbing

BART riders are calling the transit service "gross," "dangerous," and downright "disturbing."

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Mayor Mark Farrell recently held an hour long meeting with BART officials and the San Francisco Police department to come up with a plan of options. Farrell said it's a distinct possibility BART riders may soon see San Francisco Police patrolling BART stations, calling the situation unacceptable. But law enforcement and legal experts told the Chronicle, the problem cannot be solved with just more officers. They say most of the offenses result in a citation, not jail, and rehabilitation programs are voluntary.

RELATED: Muni, BART join forces to keep station elevators from being public toilets

At least one supervisor wants to try safe injection sites for the users.

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