From the Mission District to the SFPD: Bob Brodnik Revisits Decades of San Francisco Policing in All You Can Handle


Posted November 5, 2026 by Robertosmith

From neighborhood crime prevention in the 1960 to decades of changing attitudes toward law enforcement retired San Francisco police officer & author Bob Brodnik offer a firsthand account of the citys policing history in his memoir All You Can Handle.
 
Growing up in San Francisco's Mission District, Brodnik saw police work through his father, Officer Joe Brodnik, whose dedication earned him recognition throughout the department. Alongside his partner, Paul McGoran, Joe became known for his burglary prevention work. The pair, recognized by their call sign "Mission Eleven," developed crime prevention methods that received local newspaper coverage.

Joe Brodnik's career ended tragically on May 1, 1969, when he was killed in the line of duty while confronting burglary suspects. His death devastated his family and left a lasting impression on his 19-year-old son, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time.
Bob later joined the San Francisco Police Department, where he served for 32 years. His career gave him firsthand insight into the dangers, responsibilities, and personal sacrifices of police work. It also allowed him to witness the changes within the department and the city his father had once served.

In All You Can Handle, Brodnik recounts these experiences alongside personal struggles, family relationships, and the lasting influence of his father's principles. His recollections offer readers a perspective on the daily realities of policing, including the relationships officers develop with their communities and the emotional burden that can follow them beyond their shifts.

Brodnik also addresses his concerns about how San Francisco and its police department have changed over time. Drawing on his family's history and his own career, he examines the importance of integrity, compassion, and accountability in a profession that continues to face public scrutiny.

Through his memoir, Brodnik preserves the experiences of two generations of San Francisco police officers while offering readers a personal account of the city, its people, and the work that shaped his life.

All You Can Handle is available in print and digital formats through major online book retailers.

About the Author

Bob Brodnik is a retired San Francisco police officer who served 32 years with the San Francisco Police Department. The son of fallen officer Joe Brodnik, he draws upon his personal experiences, family history, and decades in law enforcement to document the changing realities of policing in San Francisco. All You Can Handle tells his story from childhood through his years of service and beyond.

Visit the author’s website: https://bobbrodnik.com/
 
Contact Email [email protected]
Issued By Roberto Smith
Country United States
Categories Books
Last Updated November 5, 2026