As former investigative reporter turned SFPD communications director, Sernoffsky brings unparalleled insight into urban policing challenges. His work at the San Francisco Chronicle and KTVU established him as a leading analyst of:
Successful pitches combine fresh datasets with human stories, particularly those highlighting:
"Effective public safety coverage requires understanding both the dashboard lights and the dark corners."
Achievements: Finalist for state-level journalism awards in both breaking news and investigative categories, with particular recognition for transforming complex policy debates into accessible narratives.
Evan Sernoffsky has carved a distinctive path in criminal justice reporting through roles at KGW Media Group, San Francisco Chronicle, and KTVU before transitioning to strategic communications leadership at the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). His journalism career focused on exposing systemic challenges in law enforcement while maintaining a solutions-oriented lens. At SFPD, he now bridges investigative rigor with institutional transparency, leveraging his deep understanding of policing complexities.
This 2025 analysis piece demonstrates Sernoffsky's ability to contextualize crime statistics through comparative urban analysis. By contrasting San Francisco's 45% property crime reduction with Seattle (21%) and Denver (32%), he highlights the impact of SFPD's technology-driven strategies like automated license plate readers. The article balances data journalism with on-the-ground insights from police operations, particularly the targeted crackdown on vehicle break-ins that decreased incidents by 31% year-over-year. Sernoffsky underscores the paradox of falling crime rates amid record-low police staffing, crediting "force multiplier" technologies while questioning long-term sustainability.
In this investigative piece, Sernoffsky exposes how 12% of SFPD officers accounted for 33% of overtime spending, linking excessive hours to potential sick leave abuse and public safety risks. The 2024 analysis combines budget documents with union contracts and officer interviews, revealing systemic pressures from understaffing. His reporting prompted city supervisors to demand accountability measures while acknowledging the department's recruitment challenges. The article exemplifies his trademark approach: holding institutions accountable without oversimplifying complex operational realities.
Sernoffsky's 2025 deep dive into narcotics enforcement data reveals a 167% spike in user arrests in SoMa, contrasting with decreased dealer apprehensions. Through FOIA-obtained prosecution records and interviews with public defenders, he examines the human impact of policy shifts, including relapsed users like Rylee Anderson. The piece questions the efficacy of misdemeanor crackdowns while documenting evolving black market patterns, showcasing his ability to track policy outcomes across neighborhoods.
Sernoffsky consistently tracks how tools like predictive analytics and surveillance tech reshape urban policing. Pitches should highlight novel applications of AI in crime prevention or case studies about tech implementation challenges. His coverage of SFPD's drone program demonstrates interest in both operational benefits and civil liberties concerns, making him particularly receptive to stories balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
With SFPD operating at 1990s staffing levels despite population growth, Sernoffsky analyzes creative workforce solutions. Relevant angles include comparative studies of retention bonuses, lateral hiring campaigns, or civilianization of non-emergency roles. His reporting on overtime abuses shows particular interest in systemic reforms rather than individual misconduct stories.
While Sernoffsky documents drug arrest trends, he seeks stories about treatment program efficacy and recidivism patterns. Pitches should connect enforcement data to healthcare outcomes, such as MAT program success rates or overdose prevention innovations. His coverage of the Jefferson Square Park raids reveals skepticism about performative crackdowns, preferring data-driven assessments of long-term impact.
"The numbers don't lie - when you combine smart policing with community partnerships, you get results that rewrite the playbook."
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Crime, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
