Stop Sheriff Departments from Hiding Misconduct from Oversight Bodies (AB 847)
Criminal Justice & Policing · Democracy & Civic Engagement · Racial and Economic Justice
Counties throughout California have established Civilian Oversight Commissions and Inspector General Offices to ensure public accountability of Sheriff Departments. However, this much-needed oversight has been made difficult by law enforcement agencies and well-funded police associations that argue that agencies are not required to hand over police misconduct files to these oversight bodies. AB 847 clarifies the law to make sure that these oversight commissions and offices are able to access the files they need to hold officers accountable to those they are sworn to serve.
Currently, state law explicitly allows grand juries, district attorneys, the Attorney General’s office, and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to access misconduct files when investigating abusive officers. Much like these entities, civilian oversight commissions and Inspector General Offices are charged with reviewing complaints from residents, determining if misconduct investigations occurred in a timely manner, and evaluating if decisions about officer discipline were appropriate. AB 847 clarifies state law so that Civilian Oversight Commissions and Inspector General Offices have the same authority as other oversight entities, in line with existing case law, to access misconduct files that are required to carry out their duties.
Without the same access to confidential information as other oversight bodies, Sheriff Oversight Boards and Inspector General Offices are unable to do their jobs. AB 847 will provide the increased transparency and improved public safety that the public was promised with the creation of these oversight bodies.
Principal Bill Author:
Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego)
Bill sponsor:
- County of Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission