SFPD Subject Matter Expert Utilization for Investigations

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to set forth a formal procedure for internal (e.g., IAD, ISD, etc.) and external (e.g., DPA, CAO, etc.) requests to interview a SFPD Subject Matter Expert (SME). A SME may be requested to provide their knowledge on an identified subject during an administrative, criminal, or civil investigation.

In order to provide fair, impartial, and thorough inquiries into a member's conduct, the following policy shall be adhered to when utilizing an SME.

II. PROCEDURE

All internal SME requests shall be made directly by the requesting unit.

The Legal Division of the Risk Management Office (RMO) will track all requests and provide the appropriate SME to the requestor. All external SME requests shall be made utilizing the GovQA portal.

III. ADMINISTRATION

The Legal Division shall create a share folder called the "SFPD SME List." The folder shall be maintained and made accessible to specific members identified within the Legal Division, Training Division, and the Policy Development Division (PDD). This shared folder will contain a list of SMEs identified by the Training Division and PDD. The Legal Division shall notify the Training Division and PDD once the share folder has been created and is accessible.

The Training Division shall maintain a current list of training instructors (e.g., instructors for Learning Domains, AO/CPT, Firearms/Range, PT/DT, EVOC, FTO, FTFO, etc.). This list will be maintained in the "SFPD SME List" shared folder and shall be updated as needed by the Training Division.

The PDD shall maintain a current list of policy consultant SMEs (e.g., DGO, DN, Bureau/Unit Orders, etc.). This list will be maintained in the "SFPD SME List" shared folder and shall be updated as needed by PDD.

The Training Division and PDD will review their respective SME lists annually to ensure that the most current SME is identified and listed. The Training Division and PDD will contact the listed SME to determine if they are still a member of the Department and qualified to be an SME. The Training Division and PDD will contact the appropriate unit/bureau to have them identify a new SME if the SME states they are no longer an SME. A Commanding Officer may submit a new SME outside of the review period to either the Training Division or PDD.

Legal Division shall track all external SME requests by date of request, requestor, case number (if applicable), subject matter, and the SME identified. In the event a SME cannot be identified, the request shall be referred to the Officer in Charge of the Legal Division. The OIC of the Legal Division will contact the appropriate Bureau Chief, based on the subject matter, for assistance in identifying a SME.

The Training Division and PDD are responsible for ensuring that training or policy materials are submitted when requested, if not available in PowerDMS.

IV. SFPD SME IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION

An SME shall be identified and selected based on the following methods, including but not limited to:

• The Executive Sponsor shall assign a Department Policy SME, pursuant to DGO 3.01 (e.g., Department General Orders, Department Notices, Department Manuals, etc.)
• Instructor at the Academy for any Learning Domains or other Department sanctioned training. 
• Specialized unit assignment (e.g., FTFO, CIT, VDDU, Graffiti Abatement, etc.) and expertise due to a specialized training and experience. 
• Submission by a Commanding Officer that contains specific information about a member's expertise, specialized training, and experience. 

V. ROLE / EXPECTATIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SME

When requested by an internal or external investigative unit/agency, the SME is expected to provide their knowledge on the identified subject based on their level of expertise gained through their assignment, training, and experience. 

An sme should cooperate with the inquiries and assist to the best of their capabilities/expertise as they are recognized as the Department's SME for their respective subject.

An SME should not provide an opinion on whether a member's specific conduct during an incident was in accordance with any policies, procedures, or laws. These determinations are to be made by the investigative unit/agency making the inquiry.

In the event an SME has any issues or concerns, they are to contact the Officer in Charge of the Legal Division for assistance.

There is no mandatory training or any other requirements to be a SME. If an SME would like to receive specialized training to further enhance their expertise in their subject matter, they are encouraged to submit a training request memorandum through their respective chain of command. The memorandum should include information identifying themselves as an SME.

VI. TRAINING DIVISION REVIEW OF INCIDENTS FOR REVIEW BOARDS AND TRAINING

This order only pertains to the request and use of SMEs. The Training Division will continue to utilize investigative materials to complete a training review of incidents in order to both properly report to Department review boards and to update training, as necessary.