Increased patrols planned for Golden Gate Park

In the wake of last week’s early morning dog attack and fatal stabbing on the night of July 4th, the Examiner reports that police and Rec & Park officials are planning to beef up security patrols in Golden Gate Park.

The Recreation & Park Department’s Park Police will add a “daily evening patrol” to their usual rounds, focusing on the eastern end of the park near the Conservatory of Flowers.

The Park Police will also continue the 4am sweeps that they’ve been conducting for the last 10 months.

“We’re going to start up early, get in there and cite individuals,” Park Police Station Capt. Teresa Barrett said. “We have to address what’s been going on. Part of that is finding people with criminal histories and getting them out of there.”

Richmond District Police Station Captain Richard Correia told the Examiner that he also plans to increase morning patrols in the park for at least the next 60 days. Correia said he thinks people were frightened by last week’s incidents but emphasized, “The park is safe. We want everyone to feel safe.”

Did last week’s incidents alarm you? Do you have concerns about being in Golden Gate Park in the early morning or evenings?

Sarah B.