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SFPD chief reports two officer-involved shootings, three homicides and updates on policy timelines
Summary
Chief Greg Surr briefed the Police Commission on two recent officer-involved shootings (including one shooting where a suspect fired through walls and set a fire), three homicides under investigation, and progress on three department general orders covering pursuit driving, use of force and language access.
At the May 16 San Francisco Police Commission meeting Chief Greg Surr told commissioners the department investigated two officer-involved shootings since the last meeting, one of which involved a suspect who fired at officers through interior walls and set a fire on the 800 block of Post Street. The chief said officers evacuated adjacent buildings (about 188 people) and a sniper neutralized the immediate threat; investigators later executed a related search in Rohnert Park and recovered an improvised incendiary device. "All the officers on the scene did an outstanding job," the chief said.
The chief also reported three homicides over the prior week and said homicide investigators are developing leads; one March case cited during the report now has a suspect in custody. He described other patrol successes, community meetings and outreach events and said the department is exploring pilot youth programs that would be supported through public–private partnerships.
Separately, Commander Tomioka updated the commission on the timeline for three department general orders (DGOs) under review: DGO 5.05 (response & pursuit driving), DGO 5.01 (use of force) and DGO 5.2 (language access for limited English proficiency persons). Commander Tomioka said the DGOs have had input from legal counsel and the Office of Citizen Complaints and that one or two remaining signatures are required before release; staff aim to bring the finalized orders to the commission within weeks. Commissioners discussed possible July meeting dates to calendar formal DGO review sessions.
Commissioners also asked for information about the department's civilianization efforts to free sworn officers for patrol duties; the chief said staff would prepare an update on positions that have been civilianized.
The commission later voted to move several disciplinary matters into closed session under the Police Officers' Bill of Rights and the California Supreme Court decision Hopley.
