The findings indicate that SFPD policies, recruit and in-service training, and early-warning-system measures contributed to a lower number of substantiated complaints of officer misconduct. Consequently, the SFPD, due to the quality and scope of its training, succeeded in reducing its liability risk associated with officer misconduct. The study focused on the allegations and outcome of police misconduct cases recorded by the Office of Citizen Complaints (n=41), with the subsequent civil liability profile based on the analysis of police policy, training, and early-warning-system measures. The study reviewed the SFPD's policies and procedures regarding the use of force, general rules of conduct, citizen complaints against officers, discipline process for sworn officers, the use of firearms, and discrimination and harassment. Also, researchers reviewed departmental training records from the recruit academy and in-service training component for 1998. Part II of this study will examine the results of the research questions and their implications for changes in policy and training. 15 references