San Francisco police chief outlines 90‑day use‑of‑force review, raises possibility of taser pilot

San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon told the Police Commission on Oct. 7 that the department is conducting a 90‑day review of use‑of‑force incidents and will return to the commission with comprehensive recommendations on training, weapon systems and policy.

"We're doing this 90 day process, that we're gonna be reviewing this as a force and and looking at training, looking at weapon systems and, policy," Gascon said, adding that the review will address incidents involving discipline and involve multiple stakeholders.

The chief discussed nonlethal options in light of recent officer‑involved shootings and said he will recommend that the department consider tasers. He described vendor willingness to provide loaner devices for a pilot and noted recent advances in taser technology, including longer‑range devices.

"I think that the discussion about bringing tasers into the San Francisco Police Department is a real one that I think that we need to have," Gascon said. He emphasized that a taser "would not replace lethal force" but could be another tool that "could, minimize injury to the officer" and in many cases reduce injury to suspects.

Commissioners pressed for community engagement and for policies that avoid divulging specific adjudicated cases. Gascon said the review will include aggregate numbers and recommended policy framing. He also said he plans to consult civil‑rights groups and other agencies: "I do plan to talk to the ACLU and other stakeholders and the civil rights community as far as the taser." Deputy City Attorney Linda Ross offered to help define the parameters for public review without violating personnel‑rights protections.

Several commissioners asked that the department provide a venue for community members to raise questions about protocols and timelines after officer‑involved shootings so the public can understand when and how information will be released. Gascon said he would coordinate with the city attorney's office and the commission to shape that outreach.

The commission did not take a formal vote on taser deployment on Oct. 7. Gascon said the 90‑day review and any subsequent recommendations will be presented to the commission for further consideration and possible action.

The commission noted it will receive a closed‑session briefing on aspects of the review that involve adjudicated disciplinary cases and asked Commissioner Vincent Pan to participate in the review team.

Next steps: Chief Gascon will complete the 90‑day review and present findings and recommendations to the commission; any proposal for a taser pilot or equipment acquisition would return to the commission for approval and public discussion.