South San Francisco, CA June 1, 2020 Press Release
To the residents and community of South San Francisco,
The members of the South San Francisco Police Department and I would like to send our sincerest thanks and appreciation to our residents, business owners, and surrounding community members for all the support they have shown during the challenging times we are facing as a Nation, State, County, and City. Your support has not gone unnoticed as we have dealt with the challenges created by the Coronavirus pandemic, and now to the violent protests and riots surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As we watch cities throughout our country get torn apart by violence and criminal acts, we appreciate the peacefulness here in our own City. This has allowed us to help other cities in the Bay Area as they attempt to stop the violence and restore peace and order.
We fully support peaceful protesting and those that wish to express their voices and feelings in a peaceful and lawful manner. However, we will not tolerate violence, property destruction, and criminal behavior in South San Francisco. We are fully committed to protecting our citizens, property, and businesses from those who harm our community. Those that violate the law will be sought out and held accountable for their actions through the criminal justice system.
The misconduct by the police officers in Minneapolis does not reflect the professionalism and high expectations of our officers here in South San Francisco. We have always been here to protect and serve our residents with integrity and honor, and that will not change. We will continue to strive to be the best law enforcement professionals this community deserves. The trust and positive relationships we have built over the years with our residents and community remain strong, and we are confident we can get through anything together. Thank you again for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Azzopardi
Chief of Police
Jeff, trying to see if we are related my name is Mike mifsud my mother mary Ann was an azzopardi there was 11 children in her family and her brothers owned manor markets
[…] a press release written in connection to the SSF rally, Azzopardi wrote, “The misconduct by the police officers […]
Is that why pallets of bricks were dropped off on Grand Ave sometime last night? Wenoticed them this morning. Does law enforcement not notice this? These coordinated protests are an insurrection, it will not be tolerated.
Any follow up that can reliably confirm the pallet of bricks? Curious about if there was any credibility to this. How was the protest turn out?
Heavily armed PD Vs unarmed peaceful protestors, yeah that seems about right in Merica today. I hope the protestors are able to stay safe. I also hope SSFPD doesn’t have loud helicopters flying over during the 3-minutes of silence later, as SMPD did yesterday…VERY disrespectful.
There are MANY videos up showing PD using excessive force with peaceful demonstrators, hopefully not in SSF today.
Also, would it hurt the PD to take a knee, SMPD couldn’t manage it, will SSFPD? PEACE
This is a peaceful protest. SSF police please dont harm the people or children walking. -South city native 41 years+
It is not peaceful. They will be setting CVS on fire and looting the malls and maybe Walgreens. Many locals are boarding up their businesses. Don’t be naive.
Is that why pallets of bricks were dropped off on Grand Ave sometime last night? These coordinated protests are an insurrection, it will not be tolerated.
Some of us residents don’t want to mirror a San Francisco political structure. We are good with current oversight:
1. San Mateo District Attorney
2. Attorney General CA Dept of Justice
3. United States Attorney
4. FBI
AntiFa is coming to SSF Thurs. They will have bricks available to them, they’ll be looting, setting fires, and hurting people, maybe killing people. The FBI and local police can’t help. Please pray. God bless you all.
What do you mean people will have bricks available to them to be able to Hurt Residents.
Then stay away from South San Francisco.
We are a very peaceful and happy, friendly City.
Stay Away, we don’t need any people harmed ??
Jeez….
Can I sell you one of those bricks? I promise it’s solid gold…
Chief Azzopardi,
I applaud your efforts at community leadership and communication.
I would have been happier with your message, though, if you specifically included members of the SSF Police Department in your “hold accountable” statement. You must realize that the root of the nation-wide disorders come from excepting police.
And – indeed – you yourself are being held accountable by the community to ensure that your department collectively and individually hold to the standards of legal action, integrity, and service to the whole community you espouse.
Thank you.
Mark Johnson
(650) 267-0387
Thank you for your thoughtful message Chief Azzopardi.
I have some good African American friends and I’m heartsick at the constant struggle some of them have had to deal with regards to racism. I’m happy to live in the diverse city of SSF, and honored to have many friends from all different cultures and races. To me, this is SSF.
I’ve been walking a lot since my usual exercise spots have been closed. Here’s a sign I saw on the lawn of a house on Parkway:
“No matter where you come from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor” It was in English andSpanish. This is the spirit of our city.
This community doesn’t really “get it”, so that’s in your favor.
Every law enforcement agency should have clear policies, including an independent body that conducts investigations of alleged misconduct,” Mr Obama said. Where’s our independent body to review the SSFPD?
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