Former Supervisor Dean Preston's Public Safety Initiative Linked to SF SAFE Embezzlement Allegations

San Francisco, CA – Former Supervisor Dean Preston's public safety initiatives, notably his promotion of the non-profit SF SAFE, are under scrutiny following allegations of widespread fraud and embezzlement within the organization. These developments coincide with Preston's recent unsuccessful bid for re-election, a campaign that reportedly highlighted these very initiatives.

Critics, including journalist Kane 謝凱堯, have pointed to the alleged scheme involving SF SAFE, where burglary victims in Preston's district were reportedly directed to the non-profit for "security consultations" that incurred fees. According to a tweet from Kane 謝凱堯, Preston "approved taxes to fund the nonprofit SF SAFE, sent his constituents who kept being robbed to pay SF SAFE for 'security consultations', and the whole time it turns out SF SAFE was just embezzling all of it."

Political figures like Bilal Mahmood have also weighed in, stating that Preston "unilaterally directed taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit that is now under criminal investigation." Mahmood further criticized Preston, suggesting that he "would rather fund a corrupt nonprofit to scam victims of crimes who are already hurting, than actually address community public safety concerns." The San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) also alluded to these issues, questioning the veracity of Preston's statements regarding city audits.

The controversy surrounding SF SAFE adds a layer of complexity to Preston's public service record, particularly as he recently lost his re-election campaign. While Preston actively sought an audit into the San Francisco Police Department's overtime spending, revealing significant abuses, the SF SAFE allegations present a distinct challenge to his legacy on public safety. The SFPD audit, which Preston initiated, found that the department spent $108 million on overtime in the most recent fiscal year, with issues including officers approving their own overtime and taking sick leave to work private security jobs.

The ongoing criminal investigation into SF SAFE and the direct accusations regarding Preston's association with the organization raise significant questions about oversight and the allocation of public funds for community safety programs. These events underscore the challenges faced by city officials in ensuring accountability and trust within public-private partnerships.