Building upon Operation Last Call in the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is expanding its public safety efforts to the area surrounding the San Diego Central Library. 

Recent violent incidents, including multiple stabbings and one that resulted in the murder of a man in July, have prompted discussions about safety in the area. Library staff, community members and a nearby school have noted open alcohol and drug activity, assaults, violence and other community concerns from businesses, residents and patrons of the Central Library. 

To address the issue, SDPD’s Neighborhood Policing Division, along with SDPD’s Central Division, will be launching “Operation Overdue” to provide an additional law enforcement presence to address open-air drug activity, alcohol consumption, theft, trespassing, violence and other criminal activity. Uniformed walking patrols will be used strategically in the area to provide a visible presence, deter crime and allow officers to respond quickly to calls for service. 

“Following our successful efforts with Operation Last Call in the Gaslamp, we are bringing that same zero tolerance approach to the Central Library with Operation Overdue,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “We’ve heard from staff, students and families that they do not feel safe, and we’re putting an end to that today. We are going to take back Downtown and other areas of our City, block by block, to restore public safety for our residents.” 

“Downtown residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and the concerns surrounding the Central Library demand a stronger response,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents the area. “As a Downtown resident, I share these concerns. Building on the success of Operation Last Call, I’m glad to see SDPD and Environmental Services working together to address criminal activity and improve conditions around the library. This is another important step toward a safer, cleaner Downtown.” 

In addition to SDPD’s increased presence, the Central Library is exploring additional lighting to be installed around the building to provide a visual deterrent to illegal activity at night. 

“The Library is and will continue to be a place for all. We welcome everyone through our doors but welcoming everyone does not mean accepting illegal or unsafe behavior,” Library Director Misty Jones said. “Safety and inclusion are not competing values and both are essential to the success of a library. We thank SDPD and our partners for helping us ensure the Central Library remains a safe and inclusive space.” 

The City’s Environmental Services Department will also be ensuring consistent sidewalk cleaning in the area to address any human waste, drug paraphernalia, and similar debris. For the next four weeks, they will increase from once-daily sanitization to twice-daily, Monday through Friday.