1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I support Assembly Bill 847 (Sharp-Collins) which provide to Law Enforcement Oversight Commissions the same access to confidential officer personnel files that is currently provided to Attorneys General, District Attorneys, and Grand Juries. Lack of access to officer personnel files has delayed and denied justice for families whose loved ones have been taken from them by "peace officers". would provide guidance on the processes and discipline imposed by the Sheriff. The State legislature has granted counties the authority to establish civilian oversight commissions to oversee sheriff’s departments. The State even gave these commissions the ability to issue subpoenas when deemed necessary to investigate matters within their jurisdiction. While many counties have created these commissions, they are not able to perform meaningful oversight of law enforcement without access to confidential information. Only with the same access to confidential information as other oversight bodies, will Law Enforcement Oversight Commissions be able to provide the increased transparency into the policies and practices of police and sheriff departments that the public was promised with their creation. This bill is critical holding "peace officers" accountable for misconduct including insuring personnel are timely and appropriately investigated and, where warranted, disciplined. Please support AB 847.