KPBS analyzed 475 police use-of-force incidents dating back to 2000 and found just 12 resulted in the officers facing any discipline.
The light discipline on Berhalter is the rule rather than the exception, according to a KPBS analysis of 475 police use-of-force incidents involving San Diego County police agencies dating back to 2000. In fact, more than 97% of the time, officers received no discipline whatsoever, the analysis shows.
In March 2016, San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Phillips was suspended for four days after shooting a man through his car window. Phillips was suspended not for the shooting, but because he was carrying a gun while drinking alcohol. A new law, SB 16, that went into effect this year further broadens the requirements for what police have to disclose, including incidents of prejudice and discrimination.A man rests in the hospital after being knocked unconscious by San Diego Police Officer Elliot Simon, June 12, 2020.Experts say there are a number of reasons why officers so often escape serious punishment or termination for using force, including the way police policies are written and how investigations are done.
Shootings are “incredibly scrutinized,” Jordan said. They are investigated by the homicide division, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, the FBI for civil rights violations, the internal affairs division for procedural violations, a shooting review board to understand tactics used, on top of the civilian oversight board, he said.
Iredale said he thinks the change will make a big difference. Police use of force expert Travis Norton also welcomes the change, but said regardless, police departments want to do thorough investigations. They want to hold officers accountable, despite what many people in the community might think, he said.
Russell pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and although prosecutors asked for a five-year sentence, the judge gave him a one-year sentence. Of the 285 incidents reviewed by KPBS, 26% of the suspects were armed with a gun, and 14% were armed with a knife.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
San Diego Police Body Cam Video Shows Officers Shoot at, Miss Alleged Sex Assault Suspect in Bay TerracesSan Diego police fired at but did not hit a suspect Thursday night in Paradise Valley. The suspect was later tased and detained.
Read more »
Gas is as low as $4.99 in some parts of San Diego CountySome good news for San Diegans' budgets gas prices continues to drop in the county. On Johnson and El Cajon Boulevard, two gas stations
Read more »
200 firefighters battling brush fire in San Diego CountySix helicopters and several planes were dropping water on the blaze, which started Sunday morning southeast of Otay Lake.
Read more »
Another day, another drop in San Diego County gas pricesThe average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County dropped Tuesday for the 34th consecutive day, decreasing 2.8 cents to $5.85, its lowest amount since May 10.
Read more »
Video raises questions about deadly officer-involved shooting in San BernardinoAnger after a man appears to have been shot in the back by a SanBernardino police officer while fleeing. Police say 23-year-old Robert Adams was armed, but his family disputes the department's account and is demanding answers - Tonight at 11 from ABC7
Read more »