Police data collection (2017-2022) (Palo Alto Police Department)

Dear Samuel Sinyangwe:

Thank you for your interest in Public Records retained by the Palo Alto Police Department. Your request has been received and is being processed in accordance with California Government Code Sections 6260, et al., the California Public Records Act. Your request was received in this office on 3/19/2024 and given the reference number R000515-031924 for tracking purposes. Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents reported from 2017-2022, separated by year.

2. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year, from 2017-2022 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2022, baton incidents in 2022, taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

3. the total number of civilian complaints against law enforcement that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

6. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

7. the total number of officer-involved shootings from 2017-2022, both fatal and non-fatal, separated by year.

8. the total number of people who police used force against in 2022, broken down by race/ethnicity.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Your request will be forwarded to the relevant department(s) to locate the information you seek and to determine the volume and any costs associated with satisfying your request. You will be contacted about the availability and/or provided with copies of the records in question.

PLEASE NOTE: The California Public Records Act, CPRA does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you'll receive an email when your request has been completed.

Again, thank you for using the Public Records Center.
Palo Alto Police Department

--- Please respond above this line ---

RE: Public Records Request of March 19, 2024, Reference # R000515-031924.
Dear Samuel Sinyangwe,
I am writing in response to your requests for documents under the California Public Records Act (Govt. Code § 7920.000 et seq.) received by the City on 3/19/2024. Your Request mentioned: "To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents reported from 2017-2022, separated by year.

2. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year, from 2017-2022 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2022, baton incidents in 2022, taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

3. the total number of civilian complaints against law enforcement that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

6. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained from 2017-2022, separated by year.

7. the total number of officer-involved shootings from 2017-2022, both fatal and non-fatal, separated by year.

8. the total number of people who police used force against in 2022, broken down by race/ethnicity.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Response:  The City has reviewed its files and has located records responsive to your request.  I respectfully refer you the California DOJ Open Justice portal to receive data regarding use of force between officers and civilians. Here is the link:  https://openjustice.doj.ca.gov/resources/publications
Thank you,
Lisa Scheff
Police Department