Use of Force/Complaints Data (Costa Mesa Police Department)
| Multi Request | Use of Force/Complaints Data |
| Submitted | Jan. 23, 2019 |
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Communications
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
1. The total number of police use of force incidents, broken down by type of force used, between 2013-2017 (separated by year).
2. The total number of people that police used force against, between 2013-2017 (separated by year).
3. The total number of police use of force complaints reported between 2013-2017 (separated by year).
4. The total number of police use of force complaints sustained between 2013-2017 (separated by year).
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
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Jan. 23, 2019. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Costa Mesa Police Department
Mr. Sinyangwe,
Please see the answers to your questions below in RED. I saw this same request from you twice but with two different email address reference numbers. Can you confirm you only need the one response?
Thank you,
JERRY HILDEMAN | SERGEANT
Professional Standards Unit
City of Costa Mesa | Police Department
Phone 714.754.5354
jhildeman@costamesaca.gov<blocked::mailto:jhildeman@costamesaca.gov>
www.costamesaca.gov/police<http://www.costamesaca.gov/police>
[Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Costa-Mesa-Police-Department/297913256900949?fref=ts> [Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/costamesapd> [cid:image003.png@01D407A6.7DB75740] <https://www.instagram.com/costamesapolice/> [youtube-icon(1)] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0suykTUlsbb_rSvKCNuaAg>
This e-mail transmission, as well as any attached documents, is intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information that is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). If you are not the intended recipient (or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this e-mail to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any copying, disclosure or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited.
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
Hi, thanks for sending this. As requested, can you please send the number of each type of force used (separated by year)? Currently, you've sent a total for all uses of force and a description of the various types used, but I'm specifically requesting the number of *each type* of force used, separated by both type of force and year. For example, it should look something like this for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017:
2013
4 uses of taser
3 OC Spray
8 control holds
2014
2 uses of taser
1 OC Spray
14 control holds, etc.
Thanks,
Sam
From: Costa Mesa Police Department
Mr. Sinyangwe,
I've included a breakdown of the data you requested. It should be noted there are instances where multiple force levels were used to gain compliance and effect and arrest. An example would be a subject who was subdued via a Taser but then required an application of a HRD (Hobble Restraint Device). In those types of instances I placed the use of force into what I perceived as the higher level; in this case it would be counted as a Tasing application. In the Misc field this would include items such as takedown, whereas there are many methods to conduct a takedown such as an arm bar or leg sweep. Again, this is the best I can do with the data that was tracked in the earlier periods so this will be the best and most accurate response I can provide with how data was tracked prior to my role in this assignment.
2017 - 2 Carotid Restraints, 3 Control Holds, 27 HRD, 23 Misc, 11 Taser for total of 66 incidents
2016 - 3 Baton, 3 Carotid Restraints, 7 Control Holds, 26 HRD, 24 Misc, 13 Taser for total of 76 incidents
2015 - 1 Baton, 5 Carotid Restraints, 13 Control Holds, 18 HRD, 15 Misc, 11 Taser for total of 63 incidents
2014 - 4 Carotid Restraints, 7 Control Holds, 7 HRD, 23 Misc, 8 Taser for total of 49 incidents
2013 - 1 Baton, 4 Carotid Restraints, 14 Control Holds, 3 HRD, 25 Misc, 2 OC Spray, 15 Taser for a total 64 incidents
JERRY HILDEMAN | SERGEANT
Professional Standards Unit
City of Costa Mesa | Police Department
Phone 714.754.5354
jhildeman@costamesaca.gov<blocked::mailto:jhildeman@costamesaca.gov>
www.costamesaca.gov/police<http://www.costamesaca.gov/police>
[Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Costa-Mesa-Police-Department/297913256900949?fref=ts> [Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/costamesapd> [cid:image003.png@01D407A6.7DB75740] <https://www.instagram.com/costamesapolice/> [youtube-icon(1)] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0suykTUlsbb_rSvKCNuaAg>
This e-mail transmission, as well as any attached documents, is intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information that is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). If you are not the intended recipient (or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this e-mail to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any copying, disclosure or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited.
