please understand that the san francisco police department is not the only entity approving u visas. there are law-enforcement across the region, the state is doing it, we are just want law-enforcement agency doing it. >> even the demand for u visas, there are certain caps. 3 also -- >> i feel like seeing this unit exist, if i would use the word "leveraging" people's expertise, it seems appropriate place for these presentations. it reflects what we are most successful at and when we are seeing the greatest success is when we're not in silos, and partnering with nonprofits, and in some cases for profit community. i know that personnel he i have had the opportunity to participate in many of the massage parlor inspections. that to me was another example of our city being incredibly innovative in figuring out a way to confront the challenges that we do face particularly in the area of human trafficking on one side. i think it all fits to having this hearing tonight, the work of the family violence council for me - i feel like a broken record, i feel it is a model, the benefit of being bot

please understand that the san francisco police department is not the only entity approving u visas. there are law-enforcement across the region, the state is doing it, we are just want law-enforcement agency doing it. >> even the demand for u visas, there are certain caps. 3 also -- >> i feel like seeing this unit exist, if i would use the word "leveraging" people's

two things: one, to be clear for folks watching, the u visa, is an acronym for what again? >> i believe it refers to a section in the code. it describes the opportunity for an individual to apply for legal status to say in the u.s., if you're the victim of a crime under certain circumstances. >> to be clear about that. so that everyone watching can be fully informed. while certainly, and again, thanks to the leadership of chief suhr, yourself, the lieutenant and others, the integration of these areas units seems to make so much sense. it seems there practical on a number of levels and certainly there are similarities and various types of >> what you to do atribute the tripling of the u visa application? >> maybe the trust was not there. sensitive the word spread that this process could be trusted. the advocacy groups helped. the district attorney. many people that considered to this, it was just a matter of time for people to trust the process and you will see the numbers grow if we are doing it right. it should continue to grow. >> of those applications, how long does it ta

>> what you to do atribute the tripling of the u visa application? >> maybe the trust was not there. sensitive the word spread that this process could be trusted. the advocacy groups helped. the district attorney. many people that considered to this, it was just a matter of time for people to trust the process and you will see the numbers grow if we are doing it right. it should continue to grow. >> of those applications, how long does it take for a decision to be made by the custom and immigration service and the percentages of approval . >> takes about six months; i cannot speak about percentages and of the 994 we have denied 20 of them based on background. please understand that the san francisco police department is not the only entity approving u visas. there are law-enforcement across the region, the state is doing it, we are just want law-enforcement agency doing it. >> even the demand for u visas, there are certain caps. 3 also -- >> i feel like seeing this unit exist, if i would use the word "leveraging" people's expertise, it seems appropria

two things: one, to be clear for folks watching, the u visa, is an acronym for what again? >> i believe it refers to a section in the code. it describes the opportunity for an individual to apply for legal status to say in the u.s., if you're the victim of a crime under certain circumstances. >> to be clear about that. so that everyone watching can be fully informed. while certainly, and again, thanks to the leadership of chief suhr, yourself, the lieutenant and others, the integration of these areas units seems to make so much sense. it seems there practical on a number of levels and certainly there are similarities and various types of

the visa is by reviewing the applicant's background. the final determination is made by the united states customs and immigration service. in 2011, we received 318 requests for u visas. this year we expect to review 994 cases. the special victims unit leads the way setting the standard for best practices in law enforcement. tvu has several members that our instructors who travel to california to train other law enforcement agencies. as the commanding officer of svu i stand before you tonight very proud of the caliber of members of the officers assigned

the resources and assistance to rebuild their lives. a -- is a law enforcement tool that allows victims report crimes without fear of deportation. a u visa is a temporary four-year visa. -- has been designated to issue the visa is by reviewing the applicant's background. the final determination is made by the united ss