Building an Interactive Resource Allocation Model for SFPD
San Francisco hired Matrix Consulting Group to perform a thorough staffing analysis of its police department. With ongoing recruitment challenges, evolving reform initiatives, and increasing community expectations for visibility and response times, city leaders sought a data-driven approach to resource allocation.
Challenge
San Francisco’s diverse urban landscape, coupled with shifting service demands, placed mounting pressure on the police department. Traditional staffing models had struggled to keep pace with operational needs, particularly in patrol, investigations, and special operations. Additionally, the department faced the dual challenge of maintaining public safety while addressing calls for alternative response models and non-sworn support roles.
Solution
Matrix performed a detailed workload-based assessment to build an interactive resource allocation tool, evaluating:
- Officer time allocation across calls for service, proactive policing, and administrative tasks.
- Patrol deployment strategies to enhance coverage and reduce response times.
- Investigative and special operations workload to ensure sufficient staffing in critical units.
- Opportunities for civilian integration to optimize operational efficiency and alleviate administrative burdens on sworn personnel.
The study identified key areas where staffing levels had not kept pace with demand, highlighting opportunities to rebalance sworn and non-sworn roles, expand alternative response strategies, and set data-backed minimum staffing thresholds. Additionally, Matrix developed staffing growth projections based on anticipated call volume trends, community policing objectives, and fiscal considerations.
Outcome
By delivering a strategic, adaptable staffing framework, the study provided San Francisco with the tools to align police resources with its public safety priorities—enhancing efficiency, reinforcing transparency, and ensuring a responsive presence in the community.
