SFPD Revises Gun Policy in Wake of Mario Woods Shooting

Police Chief Greg Suhr has for years hoped to equip the Department with these less-lethal weapons, and following the SFPD shooting of Mario Woods posited that things “could have ended differently” had officers had them in their arsenal.

The policy change has angered the police union but is supported by watchdogs who see it as an important step toward transparency.

Last Friday the chief quietly issued a bulletin that requires officers to file a report whenever they point a firearm at someone and to justify their actions. Association president Martin Halloran did not respond to a phone call seeking comment Wednesday, but in a December 16 statement he said police are “permitted to use whatever force is reasonable or necessary to protect others or themselves”.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in San Francisco on behalf of Woods’ mother, Gwendolyn, claims police used excessive force and violated Woods’ civil rights.

Two videos were quickly posted on social media following Woods’ death that appeared to show officers firing on Woods as he tried to walk away, fueling outrage from community members.

Police say Woods was suspected of a stabbing and refused commands to drop a knife.

The new video released today comes from “a confidential source” and had not been handed over to police investigators as of this afternoon, Burris said.

“You have more opportunity of misinterpretation of innocent movements when you have a number of different people with guns drawn who are willing to shoot on a reflex”, he said. It’s pretty much accepted that officers don’t want to do paperwork, and I appreciate that.