Most San Franciscans may not know that “aggressive pursuit” is “the willful, malicious or repeated following or harassment of another person,” but Supervisor Carmen Chu is well-aware. Chu knows this kind of crime goes on around Muni buses, and loitering with a concealed weapon does, too, which is why the Sunset District representative introduced legislation Tuesday that would double the fines for both.
Pursuing aggressively and loitering con weapon both carry $500 fines; Chu’s proposal would increase the fines for each to a maximum of $1,000 and/or a term of six months at one of the County Jail’s resort locations in San Bruno or at 850 Bryant Street.
“This legislation is just one component of a multifaceted approach to helping our community feel safe,” said the not-normally effusive Chu in an effusive statement released by her office.
Should Chu’s proposal become law and should a citizen wish to continue to be penalized under current statutes, he or she should stay 26 feet away from a Muni stop: any aggressive pursuit closer than that would be in the new double-fine zone.
No criminal statutes of which The Appeal is aware define “un-aggressive” or “nonviolent” pursuit, but as with anything, go large or go home.
