Greg Suhr, speaking on the subject of how students can avoid being a victim of violence, gave sage advice to four dozen K12 students and Filipino community members consisting of the FBI, civic leaders, WWII veterans and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.
“Always be aware of your surroundings.” “You are always safer when you are with somebody.” “Follow your instincts; more often than not it is correct.” “If you see trouble on one side of the street, go on the other side of the street; do not stick around to see what it is.” “Make as much noise as you can, scream and holler as loud as you can if someone is trying to drag you into a car.” Said Suhr.
Noting that cell phone crimes are on the rise, Chief Suhr advised the students not to hold on to their possession. “Give up your cell phone or IPod, get away immediately and tell the police what the bad guy is wearing.” “Specially their shoes, they may change clothes but wear the same shoes,” said Chief Suhr.
Asked by a student what other things do criminal want beside cell phones, Suhr said “Back Packs, so put it on your shoulder and do not carry it.”
“Have some street sense. It’s not wise to talk to strangers, but should you need to approach someone on the street because you are afraid, choose a family, a group of person with children – over a single person to ask for help, Chief Suhr replied to a question from Nina Antonio, the Family Resource Case Manager of the 40 year old non profit in the South of Market area.
The event was made possible with the cooperation of Commander Mike Biel, chair of the API Forum and West Bay Pilipino Multi Service Board members Yolanda Stern, Jose Pecho, Rex Tabora and Lieutenant Eric Quema. API Forum meets regularly to develop a relationship of trust and partnership between the Asian Pacific Islander community and the San Francisco Police Department through communication, education and community engagement.
Chief Suhr thanked West Bay Pilipino Multi Service for taking the initiative to promote a Safe Zone program for API kids and introduced Safe Haven. Both initiatives convince store front and business owners to agree to place a sign on their windows or doors and shelter any one that comes in their store or business because they are afraid of something or someone following them or threatening them.
Rudy Asercion, West Bay’s Executive Director and a member of the API Forum said the Safe Zone initiative is directed specifically to children safety in general and the fast growing API community in particular.
The 30 minute conversation with the San Francisco Police Department Chief was watched by 431 people on KWBY, the After School Internet Radio program of the Kids at West Bay.
Photo Caption: “How many of you have cell phones?” SFPD Chief Greg Suhr asked students at the SoMA After School Program. With the chief in SFPD uniform are Kevin Cashman and Eric Quema