AgdaPkt 2011-07-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1.D. - Page 1 REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager July 11, 2011 SUBJECT Response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report "TASERS Standardizing to Save Lives and Reduce Injuries" RECOMMENDATION Approve the Chief of Police's Response to the San Mateo County Grand Jury Report "TASERS Standardizing to Save Lives and Reduce Injuries." BACKGROUND On September 20, 2010, the San Mateo Civil Grand Jury informed the Chief of Police it was conducting an investigation into whether or not San Mateo County law enforcement agencies have adopted a standardized TASER policy and, if so, the effectiveness of the policy. On May 24, 2011, the Civil Grand Jury filed its report with the County Superior Court pertaining to the training in and use of TASER devices by county law enforcement agencies, including the Redwood City Police Department. The report concluded, among other things, that TASER devices can be an effective alternative to the use of lethal force and the use of TASER devices can reduce injuries to both officers and subjects. The report also went on to encourage all law enforcement agencies in the county to adopt standardized TASER policies with respect to both their deployment by officers and reporting requirements after the devices are deployed. The report made a total of seven findings and nine recommendations. Of these, only four of the findings and two of the recommendations were applicable to the Redwood City Police Department and were directed to the City Council. The Court wrote that the City must submit comments regarding the report's findings and recommendations to the Court no later than August 22, 2011, and that the response must be approved by the City Council at its regular meeting. The response to the Grand Jury is submitted for your approval. ALTERNATIVES N/A