The recent Napa earthquake reminded us, once again, that preparedness is key to surviving and managing public safety emergencies. Participation in the Urban Shield exercises allows us to work with other public safety agencies to plan coordinated responses to emergency situations. There is justified concern over the militarization of our police forces, but weapons do not create public safety; well-practiced response plans do. Thinking, planning and practicing protects us in an emergency. The use of well-trained dogs to assist in the bomb sweeps of the new Levi's Stadium provides another example of coordinated, proactive public safety.

Celebrating hope and interfaith collaboration, our Religious Service Coordinator worked with community members to organize a full gospel concert that was held in the maximum security jail, bringing together over 80 men, women and transgender inmates. It was an evening to reinforce redemption and opportunities for successful reentry.

Many of you may remember former Sheriff Mike Hennessey's passion for the history of the San Francisco Sheriff's Department. He and retired Captain Richard Dyer created a new website with fascinating historical information and never before published photographs. Please check it out for an interesting look at the people and events that shaped the department.

I am pleased to announce our Innovation Challenge Grant Program. It offers small community-based organizations the opportunity to develop programs and services for individuals in custody and those transitioning out, using the principles of restorative justice. Grant applications must describe activities that address our dual goals of protecting public safety and reducing recidivism. Please encourage persons in interested organizations to apply.

Special thanks to Danny Glover for taking time out of his schedule to speak at the Reentry Pod.

The exercise presents challenges to enhance the skills and abilities of regional first responders, as well as those responsible for coordination and management of large-scale events. The SFSD has been a participant since the first exercise in 2007, both sending a tactical team and hosting scenarios. This year we used the Hall of Justice location to host scenarios based on a courtroom hostage rescue, an active shooter in a theater, and a medical checkpoint. Lt. K. McConnell and staff from the Field Operations Division and Emergency Services Unit coordinated our SFSD efforts to provide quality training at these sites for the 35 tactical teams that were evaluated. Members of the Special Response Team, including the Assistant Sheriff, represented our department and were operational for 48 consecutive hours, completing a total of 31 SWAT scenarios throughout the Bay Area that included the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Candlestick Park.

In addition to the SWAT scenarios, Urban Shield hosted four Explosive Ordinance Disposal and 17 fire / hazmat scenarios.

Outside participants included the Singapore National Police, a South Korean tactical squad, and the Philadelphia PD. Urban Shield provides a platform for national and international first responders, as well as the private sector, to work efficiently and effectively together when critical incidents occur.