Office of Citizen Complaints

Policy Recommendations

Reference: 504-96

SUBJECT: Recommendation that SFPD adopt a policy requiring district stations and inspectors' bureaus to develop a daily log to document members' use of marked and unmarked vehicles.

RECOMMENDATION:
The OCC recommends that the San Francisco Police Department immediately adopt a policy requiring the district stations and inspectors' bureaus to develop a daily log to document members' use of marked and unmarked vehicles. This log should include every shift and clearly identify by name and star number each member using a San Francisco Police Department vehicle. For the purposes of officer accountability to their superiors and a more efficient complaint investigation process, a daily log should be developed and maintained.

BACKGROUND:
A complaint was filed with the OCC that resulted in no sustained findings. Identification of the officers complained about was an issue. Part of the identification information that was provided was a description of the vehicle used by the police officers. During the course of this case investigation, it was discovered that there is no documented information available that permits identification of officers based upon the identification of their vehicles. A station sergeant reported to the OCC that on a shift-by-shift basis this information is kept in the form of a "sign-in/sign-out" board, which is erased at the end of every shift. A daily log that is maintained documenting members' use of vehicles would assist the identification process.

Case Investigated by: DAVID AULET, Investigator
Reviewed by: ROBERT JANISSE, Chief Investigator
Approved by: MARY C. DUNLAP, Director
Date: June 23, 1998

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