Not relevant. So what? Was that drunk capable of fleeing and attacking anyone? Not likely. Is it hard to pursue a person fleeing on crutches for a few yards until you can kick a crutch out from him? It's not rocket science.
Sure, he was a big damned nuisance and they couldn't let him get whacko. Playing dogpile on a UNARMED disabled guy isn't ever going to be the right answer.
They've had the training already.
Someone was sleeping on the days when descalation was covered. And they were probably on vacation during the in-service stuff, too. <rolling eyes ;-)>
I fully agree that the best policy is to comply with directions, but I can't see any reason for the number of responding officers.
I question why the SFPD allows those fos guys them to patrol without a supervisor.
Why is it that they couldn't calm the guy down? Arrogance? Apathy? Or were they all rookies? They couldn't holler for a detective or a supervisor?
Out-argued by a guy on crutches. What'd they think? He was going to somehow run away from them? Sprout wings?