NBC11 TV News, San Jose
A young man who was shot to death by San Francisco police will be buried Thursday. Meanwhile, the city’s new police commission is calling for changes in how the department handles officer-involved shootings on the heels of the controversial incident.
The new police commission wants to change a policy that keeps secret the names of officers involved in fatal shootings. The policy dates back to 1995.
Some residents and city leaders have criticized the San Francisco Police Department for last week’s shooting death of Cameron Boyd. Police say the 29-year-old led them on a high-speed chase that ended in a shootout.
Wednesday night, Boyd’s family joined community activists in asking the police commission to make sure that the shooting is properly investigated.
Many who attended the meeting believe there is a conflict of interest because the police department is investigating a shooting by its own officers.
Neashelle Sheppard, Boyd’s aunt, said, “I want justice for Cameron! These guys will always cover up, but I will not rest until truth is revealed!”
Police Chief Heather Fong said an extensive internal investigation is under way.
One police commissioner said, at the meeting, that keeping the names of officers involved in shootings secret fosters distrust in the community.
The new commission was formed because voters wanted more public oversight of police discipline.