From 1988 to 1992, the budget for jails in San Francisco increased by 40%, while the city’s general fund only increased by 20%. In 1992, as other major city departments struggled with budget cuts, the Sheriff’s Department’s budget increased by a substantial 26%.
“…voters are never asked if they would like to build more jails and have fewer after- school programs for their children; fewer police or social services; or poorer health care. Nonetheless, these types of trade-offs are inherent in any public policy decision and particularly in the case of jail construction bonds.”
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul: The story of jail funding in San Francisco