San Francisco's police and sheriff's department conducted a major operation to address rampant drug dealing at Market and Van Ness, resulting in approximately 40 arrests. Despite the arrests, there were no charges filed, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the crackdown. Randy Shaw from the Tenderloin Housing Clinic supported the operation but questioned the lack of subsequent prosecution. The SFPD emphasized the need for probable cause during arrests, complicating the charging process. The District Attorney noted the necessity for cooperation with the police to meet legal standards for prosecution.
"Market and Van Ness has a huge drug problem. They cleared it out by doing what they did, so I think the motive was right. I think the questions was why they made so many arrests, and they couldn't confirm with prosecutions, but the crackdown had to be done," said Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.
"SFPD officers must establish probable cause when making any arrest, including in all of our recent drug market operations and surges. Our officers will continue enforcing the law to disrupt the drug markets to ensure our streets are safe and clean."
"Just like in other types of cases, there is oftentimes where the police and my office have to come together and discuss what evidence we need in order to charge, because we have a different charging standard which is beyond a reasonable doubt versus their arrests standard of probably cause," said DA Jenkins.
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