SFPD study finds patterns in officer-involved shootings; commissioners pause before authorizing taser policy

Assistant Chief Tabak presented a department review of 15 officer-involved shootings spanning a five‑year interval, saying the study’s central finding is “there is no greater responsibility placed on members of law enforcement than the authority to use lethal force” and recommending a package of policy and training changes. The report, posted Jan. 20, examined events from pre-incident to post-incident and, Tabak said, was driven by aggregated data rather than anecdote. Tabak told the commission 15 shootings occurred in the study window (8 fatal, 7 nonfatal); 14 of the events happened within 15 feet and 13 in five minutes or less, and toxicology showed significant substances on board in most tested subjects.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the study gives new evidentiary footing for rethinking tools and procedures that officers have available in very short, close-distance encounters — a context where a less-lethal option could change outcomes. The department proposed several concrete changes: prohibit shooting at moving vehicles, require a captain-ranked officer to respond and standardize numbering and reporting of OIS investigations. The report also urged expansion of crisis intervention training and post‑event outreach and counseling for both officers and…