Board sends Sheriff's military equipment use policy back to Rules after concerns about pepperball launchers

Supervisor Rebecca Chen moved and Supervisor Shamann Walton seconded a motion to refer Item 24 — the San Francisco Sheriff's Office Military Equipment Use Policy 2024 annual report and inventory and a request to purchase and use additional equipment — back to the Rules Committee for amendments. The motion passed by an 11–0 roll call.

Why it matters: The referral responds to supervisor concerns about certain less‑lethal munitions and launchers (described in the meeting record as "pepperball launchers") and seeks clearer usage guidelines and manufacturer safety references before the board considers approval for additional equipment.

What supervisors asked for

Supervisor Rebecca Chen described proposed amendments she had been developing with the Sheriff's Office that would add specific restrictions and safety provisions for pepperball launchers and munitions. Chen summarized four bullets she intends to include: never point or discharge the launcher at anything unintended; acknowledge that increased projectile velocity may increase the risk of death or serious injury; never discharge launchers at personal property of others; and store pepperball pods and launchers out of reach of children.

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who seconded the referral, cited previous incidents he said involved chemical impacts tied to Department of Sheriff testing or training at a San Bruno site and said there is an ongoing investigation of harms related to chemical agent use. Walton said he would not support acquisition of the chemical weapons in question when the item returns to the full board unless the concerns are addressed.

Sheriff's Office response and vote

Chief John Ramirez of the Sheriff's Office told the board the Sheriff's Office did not object to Rules Committee review. On the motion to send Item 24 back to Rules, the roll call recorded 11 ayes and no votes against.

What the referral does and next steps

The Rules Committee will receive the item with the proposed amendments to usage guidelines and technical references, consider the Sheriff's Office inventory and the requested new purchases, and return the item to the full board for further consideration. The clerk recorded a planned admonition for colleagues to submit proposed amendments in committee while the matter is pending.

Distinction between discussion and formal action

The board's referral is a procedural action to send the policy and purchase request back to committee for amendment; it is not an approval of the requested equipment. Sheriff Office staff indicated willingness to work with the board's proposed amendments prior to any final purchase approval.