In 2005, as San Francisco’s District Attorney, Kamala Harris proposed a controversial program that would have allowed drug dealers to be charged only after their third arrest for narcotics sales. The proposal, called “Operation Safe Streets,” faced strong opposition from then-police chief Heather Fong, who declined to participate, warning that it would allow criminals to return to the streets after being caught dealing drugs.
“This proposal asks us not to arrest, but instead detain and release observed narcotics sales suspects,” Fong wrote in an October 24, 2005 letter to Harris. The police chief expressed concerns that the policy would encourage more drug activity in San Francisco, increase violent crime, and create a double standard by releasing adults while juveniles would be booked.
Harris defended the program by saying it was meant to help prosecutors build stronger cases against drug dealers, but police officers and defense attorneys criticized the plan, calling it ineffective and confusing. Despite the backlash, Harris’s team considered moving forward with the proposal, but it ultimately never came to fruition.
The revelation has resurfaced as Harris campaigns on her criminal justice record, describing herself as tough on crime. However, her past policies, including this failed initiative, have drawn criticism from those who view her approach as lenient, particularly given her past support for defunding police and eliminating cash bail.
