OSBI Report Shows Number Of Fatal Officer-Involved Shootings Down

<p>The OSBI released a report on Monday, showing that fatal officer-involved shootings are down 43 percent statewide from this time last year.</p>

Monday, August 22nd 2016, 3:39 pm

By: News 9


The OSBI released a report Monday revealing officer-involved shootings are down more than 40 percent statewide from this time last year. To date, there have been 13 fatal officer-involved shootings in 2016. Three of those were in Oklahoma City. 

Local police say it is a concerted effort. 2014 was one of the worst years for officer-involved shootings in Oklahoma City. Police shot 14 people, and determined something needed to change. The department responded by implementing live action scenario-based training. 

“Unfortunately sometimes things happen. Somebody brandishes a weapon, a knife, a gun, whatever, and that police officer has to make a decision literally in a split second,” Capt. Paco Balderrama said. 

Balderrama cannot say for sure that it is the training making a difference, but in 2015 officer-involved shootings were cut in half, with just 7. This year there have been 3. 

Union president John George believes public perception of police also makes a difference in interactions.

“Twenty-five years ago we called it ‘verbal judo’ when I was hired, so we always deescalate. We do that on almost every call. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t,” he said. 

This year's first fatal officer-involved shooting was in January as police responded to a home invasion. They said suspect Rodney Turner tried to grab an officer's rifle, so they shot him. 

Then in May, a bicycle patrolman shot and killed Derek Prophet, who was wielding a knife on the corner of Sheridan and Western. 

The third man killed by officers was Miguel Chavez-Angles on a city bus in June in a confrontation over vandalism. Surveillance video shows he too grabbed an officer's gun. 

“A lot of times the actions of the officer are directly determined by the person who they’re dealing with,” said Balderrama. “Depending on what they do, the officer has to react.” 

Overall, though, local officers say they have been lucky to work with a supportive community.

“I think they respect our job,” said George. “We respect them, so we don’t have some of the problems we have nationwide here. That’s a blessing.” 

The new training is teaching non-lethal methods like Tasers and pepper spray when at all possible. Police hope to keep that community bond through continued transparency.

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