California

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Incidents


Departments


Legislative Activity

2018

On September 30, 2018, California passed SB-1421 into law, which makes police records relating to officer use-of-force incidents, sexual assault, and acts of dishonesty accessible under the California Public Records Act.[1]

2020

On September 30, 2020, California passed AB-1506, which requires that a state prosecutor investigate incidents of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian.[2]

2021

On September 30, 2021, California passed SB-2 into law.[3]. Among other things, the bill would eliminate certain immunity provisions, prevent felons from eligibility for peace officer employment, and would allow the state to suspend or revoke an officer's certificate on specified grounds. Law enforcement associations feared the definition of serious misconduct was vague and the advisory board would have too much sway.[4][5]

The state enacted SB-16, which allows for the release of peace officer misconduct records in event of unreasonable or excessive use of force, discriminatory or prejudiced behavior, failure to intervene when witnessing excessive use of force by a peace officer, or participation in unlawful searches and arrests.[5]

The Governor also signed[5]:

  • AB 26 which creates guidelines for police officers to intercede and immediately report if another officer is using excessive force
  • AB 89 which raises the minimum age to become a police officer to 21 and will enhance education requirements
  • AB 490 which bans technique and transport methods that involve risk of positional asphyxia.

2022

The state enacted SB 960, which removes the requirement that police officers need to be U.S. citizens. Anyone who is legally allowed to work in the U.S. would now qualify.[6]

References

  1. California Senate Bill 1421 (2018), wikipedia
  2. Assembly Bill No. 1506, California Legislative Information website, 2020-10-02
  3. SB-2 Peace officers: certification: civil rights, California Legislative Information, 2021-09-08
  4. Robert Lewis, Bill to decertify police for serious misconduct clears Legislature, Cal Matters, 2021-09-09
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Governor Newsom Signs Policing Reform Legislation, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, 2021-09-30
  6. SB-960 Public employment: peace officers: citizenship, California Legislative Information