Office of Citizen Complaints

Policy Recommendations

Reference: 399-97

SUBJECT: Recommendation that SFPD adopt a policy requiring the Narcotics Division to develop a daily log to document the activity, location, vehicle use and identification of Narcotics Division officers.

RECOMMENDATION:
The OCC recommends that the San Francisco Police Department immediately adopt a policy requiring the Narcotics Division to develop a daily log to document the activity, location, vehicle use and identification of Narcotics Division officers. 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:
This complaint was filed by an independent civilian who witnessed what he believed to be an improper detention and use of force by several undercover members of the San Francisco Police Department. the complainant was able to supply minimal physical descriptions of the members, and only limited information about the incident, such as the time, location, and general activities of the officers.

During the course of this investigation, it was discovered that there is no information available through the Narcotics Division, or any other Department source, that permits identification of Narcotics Division officers, and, in particular, undercover officers. A daily log of officer activity, location, and vehicles used would assist this identification process.

It should be noted that, in 1995, the San Francisco Police Commission adopted Resolution 117-95 (see Volume 71 of San Francisco Police commission Meeting Minutes, p. 154), recommending the adoption of a similar policy.

Case Investigated by: DAVID AULET, Investigator
Reviewed by: ROBERT JANISSE Chief Investigator
Approved by: MARY C. DUNLAP, Director
Date: June 22, 1998

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