Police commission directs chief to study tasers and other less‑lethal tools after hours of testimony and public comment

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Police Commission voted 6–1 on Wednesday to ask the police chief to develop proposals for adding conducted energy devices (CEDs) such as TASERs — and to evaluate other less‑lethal options — as part of a potential pilot program, after more than eight hours of expert presentations, role‑play demonstrations and public comment.

The motion, carried after a roll call vote, directs the chief of police to work with the Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC) and two commissioners to draft proposed changes to Department General Order 5.01 (use of force) and DGO 10.02 (equipment), to identify costs and funding, and to return to the commission with findings in 90 days. The commission also required consultation with stakeholders including communities of color, mental‑health professionals and LGBT organizations, and asked for a review of departmental tactical training.

“Ultimately, we need one more weapon to protect the officers and the public,” Commission President Thomas Mazzucco said in opening remarks, framing the night’s debate around officer safety and civilian harm. “We want to limit the number of shootings, and we’d like to give the officers the tools they need.”

Interim Chief Jeff Godown told the commission he was not asking to arm officers overnight. “I am asking for permission to go back and research the feasibility of looking for a less‑lethal weapon, including the implementation of a taser,” he said, adding that he planned to involve community stakeholders and expected to identify a candidate within about 30 days and to take six to 12 months to develop a full implementation plan if the commission directed him to proceed.

The department…