San Francisco Police Department Releases 3rd Quarter 2019 Use of Force, Arrest and Police Encounters Report 19-128
As part of the San Francisco Police Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and in compliance with San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 96A, Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements, SFPD has released the third Quarter, (July, August and September 2019), Use of Force, Arrest and Police Encounters Report.
The report highlights a significant and ongoing decrease in use of force incidents during this time period and compared to previous years. Overall uses of force have dropped 47 percent since such data began being reported in July 2016 as required under Chapter 96A. Year to date, the department saw a 24 percent decrease in uses of force compared to Q3 2018. Data also indicates an 8 percent decrease in reportable uses of force in comparison to the second quarter of 2019.
“We know that our focus on de-escalation and proportionality is creating more positive outcomes,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. “San Francisco continues to see a decline in violent crime, thanks to our continued collaboration with the public. From our foot beats to our station staff, we are committed to working with our communities to increase trust and build an even safer San Francisco.”
Other highlights from the report:
- The reductions in the use of force are generally uniform across all demographic groups, including age, race, and gender.
- Force was used in one-tenth of one percent (277 incidents) of the department’s 199,826 calls for service in the third quarter.
- No uses of forces resulted in a death in Q3 2019. The last on-duty OIS resulting in death or injury occurred in June 2018.
Assaults against San Francisco police officers increased 7 percent in comparison to the third quarter of 2018. As of September 20, 2019, 1,122 sworn members have completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, which teaches officers how to effectively manage crises in the field to de-escalate situations and obtain a safe and positive outcome for the officer and the community member. The department this year also introduced Critical Mindset Coordinated Response training to further enhance crisis response strategies.
San Francisco Administrative Code, Chapter 96A requires local law enforcement to publish data relating to the use of force, arrests and encounters with members of the public. This data is required to be submitted quarterly to the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, the Police Commission and the Human Rights Commission.
A copy of the report is available on our website: