Police Review Concludes Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting of Anthony McClain Complied With Department Policy

The Pasadena Police Department announced Friday it has wrapped up its internal review of the officer-involved fatal shooting of Anthony McClain on August 15, 2020 and concluded that the officer’s use of force complied with Department policy. 

The Department said in a statement that its Use of Force Review Board conducted a comprehensive review and made recommended findings in accordance with Department Policy No. 302 of the Department’s Policies and Procedures Manual, which is available online. 

Interim Chief of Police Jason Clawson, who presided over the Use of Force Review Board, adopted the Board’s recommendations. 

A copy of the Board’s report and the materials that the Board considered, including the District Attorney’s report, is available by clicking HERE or by visiting the Police Department Website. 

The District Attorney’s review is one of two outside reviews of the incident. The City also retained the OIR Group to conduct an independent review into the incident. The OIR Group’s report is anticipated in the coming months, and when finalized, it will be made public. 

“The Pasadena Police Department takes all uses of force seriously, especially those which result in the loss of a person’s life,” said Clawson. “I am committed to holding myself and the other members of the Department accountable for our actions, individually and collectively, and I am confident that we took a critical and comprehensive look at what happened. I encourage the public to review the complete investigation. Ultimately, this incident resulted in the loss of Mr. McClain’s life, and it was tragic for all those involved and for the community.” 

Under the City of Pasadena policy, the Chief of Police is solely responsible for determining whether a use of force complies with Department policy. Neither the City Manager nor the City Council has a role in reviewing a use of force incident under City policy. 

Since the Chief found the officer’s use of force in compliance with Department policy, the Chief’s determination is final, and the City Manager cannot review the force or impose discipline as a result of the force. 

Additionally, the City Council is not involved in the disciplinary process, due to the Council-Manager form of government established by Pasadena voters through the City Charter. 

Disciplinary proceedings are still pending in connection with this August 15, 2020, incident as a result of the officer’s failure to activate a body-worn camera in a timely manner and are proceeding as a separate matter. 

The Chief of Police is also solely responsible for imposing discipline for any policy violations that may have occurred during an incident. 

An officer is provided an opportunity to respond to the Chief before any proposed discipline becomes effective. Once discipline is imposed, an officer can appeal it. If appealed, the City Manager is responsible for making the final decision on an officer’s appeal from the discipline. In order to remain impartial, the City Manager is not involved in reviewing or commenting on the merits of any discipline before there is a final decision.