Ripple Labs to Donate $9.4M to San Francisco Police, Fueling Surveillance Tech Expansion
San Francisco, CA – Cryptocurrency firm Ripple Labs and a related nonprofit are set to donate $9.4 million to the san Francisco Police Department (SFPD), earmarked for the Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC) – a unit focused on utilizing surveillance technology to combat crime. The donation, poised for approval by the Police Commission, will fund new equipment, including a fleet of 12 police drones, and cover a significant sublease for the RTIC’s new downtown office space.
Key Takeaways:
Significant Funding: The $9.4 million donation represents a ample investment in the SFPD’s surveillance capabilities.
Tech Focus: Funds will be used for drones, surveillance cameras, and a new office equipped for real-time monitoring.
Ripple Connection: The donation originates from ripple Labs and a nonprofit founded by Ripple founder Chris Larsen, a major proponent of increased police surveillance in San Francisco.
Oversight Concerns: The proposed ordinance authorizing the donation also waives competitive bidding requirements for equipment and services purchased with the funds, raising concerns about clarity and accountability.
Shifting Landscape: The donation comes as San Francisco eases restrictions on police surveillance, reversing previous policies aimed at protecting privacy.
From Crumbling Hall of Justice to High-Tech Hub
the RTIC, currently housed in the structurally unsound Hall of Justice, will relocate to a 14,000 square foot space at 315 Montgomery St., courtesy of a sublease covered by the Ripple donation. The unit, comprised of over a dozen officers and staff, is designed to monitor crimes in progress* using technology like surveillance cameras and license plate readers.
A portion of the funds will flow through the San Francisco Police Community Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2023 by billionaire Chris Larsen. the foundation aims to bolster police morale, recruitment, and retention, while “supporting our diverse community with tangible benefits.”
Bypassing Competitive Bids & Expanding Surveillance powers
The proposed city ordinance not only accepts the donation but also grants the SFPD significant leeway in how the funds are spent. Critically, it waives the city’s competitive bid requirements when the department purchases equipment and services using money from the foundation. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the potential for inflated costs.
This move aligns with a broader trend in San Francisco, where support for restrictive surveillance policies has waned. Voters approved proposition E in Febuary 2024, which expanded access to technology for the police, including drones and surveillance cameras, and diminished the oversight role of the civilian Police Commission. Larsen himself contributed $250,000 to the “Yes on E
