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Updated: April 2014 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS What is the procedure the Anaheim Police Department (APD) follows after an officer-involved shooting and who investigates the incident? The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) investigates officer involved shooting incidents for most police agencies in Orange County, including APD. The OCDA and Orange County Crime Lab respond whenever an officer discharges his/her weapon and a person is struck by gunfire. The location of the incident is secured by Anaheim Police, and any potential evidence is maintained as discovered until processed and collected by the Orange County Crime Lab. Witnesses are located and asked to stand by for the responding investigative personnel, and the involved officer(s) are relocated to the Anaheim Police Department to wait for forensic processing and/or interviews. In addition, the Anaheim Police Department assigns two Lieutenants from the Major Incident Review Team (MIRT). MIRT personnel respond to the incident location and begin a separate investigation to consider the event’s adherence to policy and procedure, assess the appropriateness of tactics, examine the use and performance of any police equipment and seek training opportunities and lessons learned. The OCDA investigation may take several months to finish. Upon completion, it is reviewed by senior prosecutors and ultimately the OCDA issues a letter which outlines a summary of the incident as well the OCDA’s findings and conclusions. This letter is made public via the OCDA website (www.orangecountyda.com). The OCDA’s report is incorporated into the respective MIRT investigation which is reviewed by all MIRT Lieutenants, APD Command Staff, the Anaheim Assistant City Attorney and the City’s Risk Manager. In addition, the City of Anaheim contracts with the Office of Independent Review Group (OIR Group) for another layer of transparency and accountability. The OIR Group is staffed by a team of attorneys with considerable experience in criminal law, civil rights, and auditing internal police investigations to ensure they have been conducted thoroughly, objectively and fairly. Finally, the City is in the process of launching a pilot Public Safety Board (PSB), consisting of nine Anaheim residents who will work directly with the Office of the City Manager and the OIR Group in reviewing the operations of both the police and fire departments to develop recommendations to enhance services. In addition, the PSB in conjunction with the OIR Group will also be involved in reviewing critical incidents, including officer involved shootings. The PSB will work with the external independent auditor (OIR Group) who will respond to police incidents in real time, thereby enabling the PSB to receive timely information that is appropriate and relevant to their roles. The PSB may also issue recommendations to the City Manager who will address them with the Chief of Police and Fire Chief and, as appropriate, the City Council. ---PAGE BREAK--- Updated: April 2014 Are any other agencies involved in reviewing the process such as the FBI? The City is committed to working with independent, credible agencies seeking to review any incident in question. The Anaheim Police Department is open to any state or federal agency that wishes to review incidents or events related to Anaheim Police. However, it is the state or federal agency’s discretion whether such a review is warranted. Anaheim experienced 8 officer involved shootings in 2012. Wouldn’t you classify that as excessive, despite the OCDA’s findings? Each and every officer involved shooting is reviewed, analyzed, scrutinized and evaluated individually and independently. This review includes the actions of every officer involved. Violent encounters do occur and unfortunately these situations sometimes necessitate the application of deadly force to save the life of someone threatened with death or great bodily harm. However, officers are constantly trained to exercise restraint and use only the minimum application of force to safely resolve an incident. We recognize that all such incidents impact the community where they occur. Anaheim is a safe city for our residents, businesses and guests. Our police officers work proactively to reduce crime and gang activity in those few neighborhoods where recent officer-involved shootings have occurred. It is the City of Anaheim’s priority to protect its residents and visitors, and work with the community we serve to build and maintain strong relationships and vibrant neighborhoods. What is your message to residents who are upset at the OCDA findings, or who question its legitimacy? Any event of this or a similar nature is of concern for all involved. We are confident that the independent review process that is in place will reveal accurate findings that pertain to each incident. The City of Anaheim is not involved in the OCDA review process. Inquiries, comments or concerns about the process or the findings/conclusions of the OCDA should be directed to that agency. As the Mayor has said on numerous occasions, we will accept and “own” the findings of each review. We remain open, transparent and will continue our public outreach efforts. Has the police department changed any of its procedures or policies in light of recent officer involved shootings? Following every use of deadly force the Department immediately initiates an internal review as part of the Major Incident Review Team (MIRT) process. The MIRT process is a self-improvement effort to examine events and incidents with the objective of quickly identifying areas for improvement with respect to policy, procedure, tactics, training and equipment. Once identified, the Department takes the necessary steps to correct any deficiencies, modify policy and / or procedure, implement additional training or correct any weakness in terms of equipment. Further, the Department continuously examines and evaluates advances in available technology, training, tactics and equipment; and reviews best practices in policing across the country and throughout the world to ensure we remain at the forefront in preparing and equipping our officers for the challenging job they face.