PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL: REPORT
AND UPDATE FROM INDEPENDENT
POLICE AUDITOR
November 18, 2024
1 OIR GROUP
• IPA for the City of Palo Alto
• Semi-Annual Audit Reports re PAPD
internal review systems
• Last Council appearance in June of 2024
2 Latest Semi-Annual Report: Cases from
first half of 2024
• One public complaint (Unfounded)
• 9 “Pointed Firearm” incidents
• Two use of force cases
• No Taser deployments or HR complaints
3 Pointed Firearm Incidents
• 9 documented events
• All instances were evaluated and found to be consistent with training and policy
• Supervisory memos of varying thoroughness
• Recommendation re BWC activation
4 Use of Force w/ Injury: 2 incidents
• Part of new review protocol with the City:
• “Medical attention beyond mere clearance in the field.” • Shoulder injury during booking process (takedown)
• Partially severed finger (less-lethal projectile)
5 Use of Force w/ Injury: Barricaded Subject
• Domestic violence incident at residence
• Lengthy standoff with SWAT response
• Negotiations with subject in his native language
• Appearance by subject outside the home as precursor to less-lethal force
• Finger struck by projectile
• Suspect taken into custody.
6 Use of Force w/ Injury Barricaded Subject
7 • Force determination: “in policy”
• Assessment of PAPD internal review protocols for
thoroughness and effectiveness
• 6 recommendations re tactics, training, policy
Questions/Discussion
8