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SFPD chief reports sharp year-to-date drops in violent crime, outlines plan for intelligence unit and 90-day OIS review
Summary
Chief George Gascon reported year-to-date declines including homicides down 55% and nonfatal shootings down 41%, announced regular CompStat briefings and a reorganization rollout, and proposed re-establishing an intelligence unit under clear safeguards plus a 90-day review of officer-involved shootings and taser use.
San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon told the Police Commission on Oct. 21 that third-quarter crime figures showed measurable declines across several serious categories and announced administrative steps to institutionalize those gains.
Gascon said homicides were down 55% year-to-date, with 37 homicides through September compared with 83 in 2008 and 87 in 2007. Nonfatal shootings were down about 41% (114 in 2009 vs. 132 the prior year). Robberies were down 23% and aggravated assaults were down 9%. He also reported a 16% drop in gun seizures to 791. The chief asked that future statistical updates be provided more frequently, saying the department will deliver weekly packets to commissioners and maintain year-to-date comparisons.
Gascon described the first CompStat event under his administration as well-attended and said the department plans biweekly CompStat meetings with the goal of improved data collection and analysis. He also said a reorganization announcement was forthcoming.
On intelligence and oversight, Gascon proposed restoring a local intelligence capability to identify threats and better share information across agencies. He emphasized safeguards: auditing mechanisms, explicit policies, and public dialogue involving civil-rights groups such as the ACLU. Commissioners expressed guarded support but emphasized transparency, independent oversight and the need to carefully define the unit’s scope and training requirements.
The chief also said he had initiated a 90-day review of officer-involved shootings (OIS) and related policy and training, and that taser deployment would be included in that assessment. The review will examine incidents dating back to 2005 and produce recommendations on policy, tactics and training.
Commissioners asked for timeline details and requested the department brief the commission publicly when proposals are ready for discussion.
