(Natural News) San Francisco used to be a picturesque tourist destination and great place to live, but all that has changed dramatically in recent years as crime and homelessness rise, prompting residents to flee the city in droves. Homeless encampments and human feces on the streets are quickly replacing the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars as the dominant images that people associate with the city.
A poll that was released by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce that involved feedback from more than 500 city residents revealed the serious problems the city is currently facing. Remarkably, more than 40 percent of residents have said that they intend to move out of the city within the next few years.
One of the biggest problems there is, is crime, with four fifths of residents saying that crime has gotten worse in recent years. Meanwhile, 88 percent say that homelessness has worsened and 70 percent feel that their overall quality of life in the city has declined.
A greater police presence is desperately needed
One potential solution to the city’s woes is a greater law enforcement presence, something that may be difficult to attain as people continue to push for police “defunding” across the nation. More than three fourths of those surveyed said that increasing the number of police officers patrolling high-crime neighborhoods should be one of the city’s biggest priorities. Eighty two percent said they would like there to be more case workers on the streets helping people with substance abuse and mental illness issues.
The poll also revealed that 60 percent of respondents feel that San Francisco should place a high priority on maintaining funding for its police academy classes to recruit younger members to replace officers who have retired or left the department.
The city is dealing with a dramatic drop in police recruits, which is a big problem as the city needs around 400 more officers to address its 18 percent shortage. Departments are struggling to attract applicants because of relentless calls to defund the police, officers being assaulted on the streets, and escalating violent situations.
Read the full story here: EXODUS: 40% of residents plan to leave San Francisco as crime rises; 76% call for more police – NaturalNews.com