City review board summarizes four firearm-discharge cases; one accidental discharge found not in policy

At the Police Commission meeting on Aug. 13, Sergeant John Crudo summarized the Firearm Discharge Review Board (FDRB) meeting held June 20, 2014, reviewing four officer firearm-discharge cases and the status of open investigations.

Crudo said the board reviewed OIS 11-008 (Dec. 16, 2011) from the 100 block of Gerald Avenue — a response to a vehicle carjacking that resulted in an officer firing multiple rounds. After review, that incident was found to be in policy.

Two cases involving dogs and one involving officers responding to a possible burglary were also reviewed and found to be in policy after administrative review. The FDRB found one incident, the March 29, 2014 officer-involved discharge on the 400 block of Broadway, to be an accidental discharge and "not in policy," Crudo said; staff explained that the board’s finding related in part to an improper finger placement on the trigger and the dynamics when the vehicle contacted the officer.

Crudo also updated commissioners on open investigations and progress with the District Attorney's Office. He said the department received charging-decision letters from the DA on nine cases since the prior meeting and that 19 cases remained open, with several under DA review.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about training, weapon handling and how accidental discharges are characterized administratively. Commissioner comments thanked staff for producing the recap and for work with the DA in moving cases toward charging decisions.

The next FDRB was tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18, 2014.