The Facts

You can now report public drug activity via 311. The app’s new public drug activity category shares reports with the San Francisco Police Department to help identify where enforcement is needed, The Standard reports. Residents seeking an officer’s response, including a wellness check, must still call police; submitting an app report does not request dispatch.

The Context

Previously, residents’ app reports were closed without reaching police, even as officials encouraged people to use 311. SolveSF, a third-party 311 reporting app created by Patrick McCabe, brought attention to the problem by documenting canceled reports. District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood pushed for a fix after constituents complained, Garrett Leahy reported at The Standard.

The GrowSF Take

Patrick McCabe is doing yeoman's work. His SolveSF app has not only made it super easy to file 311 reports, it's also pushed the City to finally update their procedures and take accountability for ignored complains. If you haven't already tried it, check it out on the App Store or Play Store.