| The relationship between the media and law enforcement is often adversarial. Reporters appear to seek the sensational elements of a crime story, often to the detriment of the police, and officers tend to be uncooperative with journalists they seem to instinctively mistrust. Not so with “The Badge,” a new series presented by a San Francisco Chronicle reporter/photographer team embedded with the SFPD. Kudos to the Chronicle for pursuing this series and to the officers who willingly put themselves in the media spotlight in the hopes of helping civilians develop a better understanding of life behind the badge. You’re putting a human face on “the police,” which will benefit us all. |
By John Koopman
The San Francisco Chronicle
Len Broberg doesn’t live in San Francisco. Not that he wouldn’t like to. But when you spend your time dealing with gangs, it’s not a good idea to be too available.
He illustrates that with a story: Some time ago, he was in San Francisco and he stopped at Stonestown Mall, thinking he would just run in, grab what he needed and leave. He was in a suit, on his way to testify in court that day. He walked through the doors and came face to face with “a bunch of my little gang-bangers.”
The boys recognized Broberg, so he stopped to chat, wondering if there might be some kind of confrontation. The chat was pleasant enough, and then one said, “Officer Len, why don’t you have your gun with you today?”
Broberg smiles as he recalls the conversation.
“What makes you think I’m not armed?” he asked, knowing that the question was more than just idle chit-chat.
And then he continued, “I tell you what. Just this once, you don’t ask me where I’m carrying my weapon and I won’t ask you where you’re carrying yours.”
That made the standoff complete, and everyone went about their business.
I went out with Broberg and some of his buddies on the SFPD gang task force this week. The Badge has moved from embedding with the cops at Mission Station to the Gang Task Force. We hope to move throughout the department in the future.
Gang violence is a perpetual problem in San Francisco, and throughout the state. The SFPD has, accordingly, beefed up its gang task force. There are now 48 officers who work exclusively on gang suppression in the city. They deal primarily with African American, Latino and Asian gangs.
Lt. Ernie Ferrando leads the unit. He’s been there as an officer, sergeant, and now lieutenant. In 1989, when he first worked in the task force, the unit had just 13 officers.
It’s now one of the most elite units in the department. You don’t apply for membership; you have to be invited. Ferrando says officers in the unit recommend cops from throughout the department, based on the individuals’ record on the street, demeanor and disposition and ability to work as a team.
“These guys are all serious crime-fighters,” he says. “It’s serious work and it’s hard. I tell these guys, ‘It takes six or seven years to get here and one day to get out.’ ”
Not everyone who is invited to join the gang task force accepts the offer. Ferrando said 12 officers were invited recently, but only 10 accepted. Some cops have families or other obligations that get in the way, he said. And that’s fine. It’s a tough environment, and it takes a lot of dedication.
Sometimes, you can’t even go to the mall.
Copyright 2007 The San Francisco Chronicle