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Commission declines to disclose closed‑session review of officer‑involved shooting; chief orders 90‑day policy review
Summary
After a closed session to review the police chief's decision in an officer‑involved shooting, the San Francisco Police Commission voted to keep discussion confidential. Chief George Gascon said the department withdrew a premature award nomination related to the incident and will conduct a 90‑day review of policies, training and language‑access issues.
The Police Commission on Sept. 16 entered closed session to review the chief of police's decision relating to an officer‑involved shooting and personnel matters. The closed session was authorized under applicable government and local codes governing public employee performance evaluations and confidentiality for peace officers.
After reconvening at 8:18 p.m., the commission voted for non‑disclosure of the closed‑session discussions. A commissioner moved for non‑disclosure and the motion was seconded and approved on the floor.
Police Chief George Gascon said the department withdrew a nomination process that a captain had begun to recognize officers involved in the shooting, calling the timing "premature." The chief also said the department will conduct a 90‑day review of policies and training related to officer‑involved shootings, including procedures that govern incidents involving persons with edged or other weapons and the role of crisis‑negotiation teams. He noted language access was part of the review and that Cantonese‑speaking officers had been present and used during that incident.
Public comment before the closed session included speakers who asked for careful review and who criticized the timing of any awards. City attorney counsel explained that the commission's closed session was justified both as a personnel evaluation of the department head and because peace‑officer rights and disciplinary confidentiality can require closed deliberations.
The commission did not disclose the content of its closed deliberations. Chief Gascon said the department will report back as appropriate once any review and recommended training changes are concluded and as permitted by law.
