California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Trent Millsap in Anaheim, California. The incident occurred on July 15, 2022, involving members of the Westminster Police Department and the West County SWAT team. The report is part of the California Department of Justice’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
“The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California,” said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool, and our hope is that this report provides understanding that advances towards a safer California for all.”
The incident began when West County SWAT attempted to serve a search and arrest warrant on Mr. Millsap for suspected involvement in a murder. During the operation, officers shot Mr. Millsap after he made movements suggesting he was reaching for a weapon. Despite receiving medical care at the scene, Millsap died from his injuries.
After investigating, the DOJ concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against the officers involved. The investigation also led to four policy recommendations aimed at improving police procedures.
The first recommendation calls for revising policies to require written operational plans following National Tactical Officers Association guidelines whenever practical. The second suggests updating de-escalation policies to align with current laws mandating de-escalation techniques when feasible.
The third recommendation advises evaluating the use of canines during operations, while the fourth addresses clarifying uniform policies regarding attire during operations.
A copy of the full report is available online.
