The San Francisco Police Department is dedicated to making this year's Gay Pride Week safe and enjoyable, which is why it's already preparing so that every person celebrating this week can feel at ease.
San Francisco Pride is one of the largest in the world and one of the most popular and attended events in San Francisco. With large crowds expected, including guests from around the world, providing security with respect for all is the number one priority for local authorities.
"The City and County of San Francisco have long been and continue to be a safe haven and beacon of hope for members of the LGBTQ community," said Police Chief William Scott.
"During PRIDE month, the San Francisco Police Department is working closely with event organizers and our partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that the LGBTQ community can celebrate a safe and joyful Pride," he added.
The Department noted that it will be staffed to handle all calls for service citywide and to provide adequate public safety personnel at Pride events throughout Pride Month.
In the same way, he stressed that the officers will be attentive to illegal or unsafe activities and will respond accordingly.
"As with any big event, there are always security concerns. Safety is everyone's responsibility, including participants, organizers, security personnel and law enforcement," the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement.
Although the authorities will put all their resources at their disposal so that visitors and residents have a wonderful celebration, they asked Pride participants to help avoid becoming victims by following a few tips.
Pride is all about community, so authorities ask to look out for each other and report any suspicious persons or activities to event staff or a police officer.
«A good adage is: ?If you see something, say something.? In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To provide an anonymous tip, call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444."
Similarly, they called to stay informed about emergencies or major events by signing up for emergency text message alerts by texting the word PRIDESF to 888-777. AlertSF allows you to notify the police of emergencies in San Francisco.
Keep friends close and your drinks closer. Do not accept drinks from strangers and drink responsibly. Do not drink while driving and always use a designated driver. The San Francisco Bay Area has a plethora of public transportation options that will take you to, from, and around Pride events.
If you drive to the festivities, remember to take your valuables with you and not leave them inside your car.
Also, keep possession of your cell phone, wallet, and other valuables.
Finally, they ask to stay with a group when you are on the street or leaving bars and clubs. Be careful when leaving a bar or club with a stranger. A general rule of thumb is that if you feel "insecure" about someone, trust that instinct and don't go to that person.
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