Police Commission delays Tasers discussion after public calls to separate the item

The Police Commission voted on March 2 to continue Agenda Item 4, a proposal to consider a Bureau Order authorizing Tasers, until Commissioner De Jesus could be present. Commissioner Wong moved to continue and the motion passed with the roll call recorded as: President Loftus yes; Vice President Turman yes; Dr. Marshall yes; Commissioner Mizuko yes; Commissioner Wong yes; Commissioner Molera no.

Public commenters urged the commission to separate the Tasers authorization from the larger use-of-force package so the community could focus on the controversial new weapon. One public commenter said introducing a new weapon should be deferred until the departments early intervention system and detailed use-of-force data are demonstrably working. "If you're bringing in a new weapon into the department ... it would be good to make absolutely sure that you have transparency and accountability fully in place," the speaker said.

Speakers emphasized several accountability prerequisites before the commission approves new use-of-force tools: functioning early-intervention reporting, accessible station- and force-type breakdowns of use-of-force data, and medical input on the safety risks posed by Tasers. A physician in the public gallery urged the commission to consult medical experts on potential harms.

Commission debate focused on procedure and fairness to absent Commissioner De Jesus. The commissions motion did not decide merits of the proposed bureau order; it only postponed consideration to a meeting when the full commission could participate. The motion passed by a majority; Commissioner Molera was the lone recorded no vote.

Votes at a glance: the consent calendar donation from the Hilton (Police Activities League) passed earlier by voice vote; the motion to continue Item 4 passed on roll call as recorded above; the commission later voted to hold a separate item in closed session under the San Francisco Administrative Code.