San Francisco police commission votes to expand powers for chasing suspects

A change in the San Francisco Police Department's chase policy.

The city's civilian police commission voted 5-2 to adopt a revised policy, expanding the powers of police officers to chase suspects in their cars. It also OKs the use of drones to track wanted vehicles.

Voters passed Prop E in March, relaxing certain police policies. This is one of them.

Tensions have been brewing between commissioners about the policy's reporting requirement, which mandates annual stats from chases and on who's arrested.

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"That would be a direction to the chief of police. But it would not be because Prop E requires it, and it is not required by law," said Alicia Cabrera with the SF Attorney's office while in session.

Police Commissioner Debra Walker: "So, should it be in the DGO? (Department General Orders)"

Cabrera: "That I leave up to the commission."

With that 5-2 vote by the commission, the answer was yes.

The policy now needs approval from the police union, which has indicated support.