SFPD Releases 4th Quarter 2017 Use of Force, Arrest and Police Encounters Report 18-021

Shows Significant and Ongoing Decrease in Use of Force Incidents And Assaults on Officers

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, the fourth Quarter, (October, November and December 2017), Use of Force, Arrest and Police Encounters Report has been released and is available on our website.

Arrests and Use of Force Reports - Admin Code 96A

The report highlights a significant and ongoing decrease in use of force incidents during this time period and compared to the previous year. Data shows a 33 percent decrease in reportable uses of force in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2016. Year to date, the department saw an 18 percent decrease in uses of force compared to 2016.  Force was used in one-tenth of one percent (262 incidents) of the department’s 212,805 calls for service in the fourth quarter.

“Even with an ever-growing number of public safety requests, San Francisco police officers’ commitment to de-escalation and proportionality is helping to ensure positive outcomes,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. “Our focus on safety with respect for all is enabling us to maintain and build trust with the people of our City.”

Assaults on San Francisco police officers saw a 12 percent decrease in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2017, 819 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.

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.  The report contains the following information:

Admin Code Chapter 96A.3

(a)   For Encounters:

  1. The total number;
  2. The total number broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex;
  3. The total number of searches performed broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex;
  4. The total number of each type of search performed;
  5. For each type of search performed, the total number broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex;
  6. The total number of each type of disposition, and the total number for each disposition broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex; and
  7. The data for Encounters required to be reported by this subsection (a) shall be reported separately for Detentions and Traffic Stops;

(b) For Use of Force:

  1. The total number of Uses of Force;
  2. The total number of Uses of Force that resulted in death to the person on whom an Officer used force; and
  3. The total number of Uses of Force broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex;

(c) For Arrests:

  1. The total number; and
  2. The total number broken down by race or ethnicity, age, and sex.

(d)   Reason for Encounters.

(f)   Department of Police Accountability data on alleged bias related complaints.

The full text of Admin Code Chapter 96A can be found online at the Board of Supervisors website.

We look forward to continuing to provide these reports in the interest of transparency.

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