26-002 Overdose Death Investigation Notifications
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please submit a request through our Public Records Request Portal.
The San Francisco Police Department Narcotics Unit is now investigating certain drug overdose deaths. The purpose of this notice is to provide guidance for members when responding to suspected drug overdose deaths. The goal of these investigations is the successful prosecution of a narcotics trafficker for distributing a controlled substance that caused the overdose death of an individual. The Narcotics Unit is committed to the comprehensive investigation of overdose deaths and holding suspected narcotics dealers accountable.
Members who respond to a suspected overdose death shall contact the Narcotics Unit via the Department Operations Center (DOC) under these two circumstances:
- Mass casualty incident (multiple overdose victims)
- Child or teen victim, or victim likely to create media interest
Below is a list of noncomprehensive factors that members may consider when responding to a suspected overdose death based on their training and experience.
- Consultation with San Francisco Medical Examiner
- Victim has been positively identified
- Physical signs of overdose are present with no signs of trauma or underlying health issues
- Narcotics and/or narcotics paraphernalia are located
- Witnesses are at the scene or available for interview
- A phone or other electronic device belonging to the victim is located
- The victim is in a controlled environment, i.e. indoors, residential, apartment, or business
Members are reminded to forward all overdose investigation reports to the Narcotics Unit email address, [email protected]. If members have any questions or need consultation, contact the Narcotics via DOC.
Roll-call training for members regarding this process is forthcoming.
/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police