San Francisco's 6th Street Triage Center Records 350 Arrests in First Month, Fuels Policy Debate

San Francisco's ongoing struggle with public drug use and lawlessness, particularly on its notorious 6th Street, has intensified with the introduction of new city initiatives, drawing both support and sharp criticism. A recent social media post by MissionLoco highlighted the deep divisions, stating, > "In San Francisco, our political class wastes fortunes every day — FORTUNES — doing exactly the wrong thing to address lawlessness. So of course SF gets worse and worse. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. The new plan for the nightmare of 6th street? A drug tourist 'oasis.'" This sentiment underscores public frustration with the city's approach to its persistent urban challenges.

In response to deteriorating conditions, Mayor Daniel Lurie's administration opened a new "triage center" on Stevenson Street, near 6th Street, in early 2025. This facility aims to serve as a central point where police can bring individuals arrested for public drug use, offering them a choice between treatment, transportation out of the city via the "Journey Home" program, or jail. The center is part of a broader effort to streamline city services and increase enforcement in areas like South of Market (SoMa).

In its first month of operation, the 6th Street triage center facilitated approximately 350 arrests, with three-quarters of these being drug-related, according to a city staff report. Concurrently, city data indicates a 25% increase in drug-related arrests and citations across San Francisco from April 2024 to April 2025. While the center also connected 275 individuals to shelter and 408 to healthcare, critics argue that such initiatives primarily displace problems rather than solving them.

The city's intensified enforcement efforts have led to a noticeable shift of drug activity from 6th Street to other neighborhoods, including parts of the Mission District, according to residents and officials. Business owners in SoMa, like Henry Karnilowicz, president of the South of Market Small Business Association, have reported improved street conditions, with fewer individuals blocking entrances. However, advocates for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder, such as Jennifer Friedenbach of the Coalition on Homelessness, contend that these "get-tough" solutions are punitive and lack sufficient treatment infrastructure.

The debate extends to the efficacy of various approaches, with some city leaders, including former Mayor London Breed, criticizing harm reduction strategies for "making things far worse." Conversely, public health experts and advocates warn that increased arrests without adequate treatment options can lead to higher overdose risks upon release, as individuals may lose tolerance in jail. The SoMa RISE Center, a drug sobering facility near 6th Street, offers a low-barrier space for intoxicated individuals to rest and connect with services, but it is not a supervised consumption site.

As San Francisco continues to grapple with its visible drug crisis, the effectiveness of the current enforcement-heavy strategy remains a subject of intense scrutiny. While the city seeks to improve public safety and street conditions, the long-term impact on addiction rates and homelessness is yet to be fully determined. The ongoing challenge highlights the complex interplay between public order, social services, and public health in urban environments.