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Restore Police Oversight: Support SB 1019

Launched: June 20, 2008

This Action Expired: June 26, 2008

Description:

A 2006 California Supreme Court decision, Copley Press v. Superior Court, prevents local civilian police review agencies from holding public hearings or releasing records related to police misconduct complaints. The decision prevents the public from learning about police and correctional officers who have been disciplined as a result of misconduct charges that are "sustained," or proven by the department. The Copley Press decision also hides these records from news media or other outside agencies that track patterns of police misconduct, such as problem officers who engage in repeat or serious misconduct or whether department hires have been previously disciplined for misconduct by another agency.

Senate Bill 1019:


  • Would allow some local law enforcement agencies to return to practices and procedures followed before the Copley Press decision.

  • Allows state and local agencies to reopen hearings and appeals held by independent civilian agencies on complaints against police officers.

  • Contains safeguards to ensure that agencies would not be required to release any information that would endanger officer safety or operations security.

Police officers are entrusted with great power and great responsibility, and the ACLU believes their conduct is unquestionably a matter of public concern. Public access to information about police complaints and a department's response is critical to ensure public trust and effective investigations.

Click here to read the California Supreme Court's decision in Copley Press v. Superior Court.

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