San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and Police Chief Greg Suhr announced the introduction of a bold reform package Monday aimed at reducing the number of officer-involved shootings and restoring faith in the city’s police department. The effort, which involves changes in officer training and an emphasis on de-escalation when it comes to armed suspects, was launched in response to the fatal shooting of Mario Woods in December.
“For years we’ve been working as a police department with community members to foster trust,” Suhr said at the press conference, flanked by Police Commission President Suzy Loftus and various community leaders. “Without trust in the community we can’t do our jobs. That trust was shaken for many in the community on Dec. 2 with the shooting of Mario Woods.”
According to Suhr and Loftus, the majority of officer-involved shootings happen minutes after cops arrive on the scene, typically at close range. With enhanced equipment and training, including a new emphasis on de-escalation and distance between police and suspects, they believe such incidents could be reduced by up to 80 percent.
Not everyone was pleased with Monday’s announcement, however. The Police Officers Association issued a statement criticizing the mayor and Suhr for not including them in discussions about the new proposals.
“These are the biggest changes proposed to police policy in over 35 years and — although some of the policies may be good ones — some of the policies may expose our members to harm,” the police union said. “We are not going to let that happen.”
Read more about the proposed changes here.