Bill > AB847

This bill amends existing California law to expand access to confidential personnel records of peace officers and custodial officers by civilian law enforcement oversight boards and county inspectors general. Currently, personnel records of law enforcement officers are generally confidential and protected from disclosure, with some exceptions for investigations by specific government entities. The bill would allow civilian oversight boards and county inspectors general to access these confidential records during investigations into officer conduct, while requiring them to maintain the records' confidentiality. Specifically, the bill allows sheriff oversight boards and county inspectors general to access personnel records that are necessary for performing their oversight duties, and permits these entities to conduct closed sessions to review confidential records, provided they comply with applicable confidentiality laws. The bill also clarifies that these oversight activities do not obstruct the investigative functions of the sheriff's department. By expanding access to these records, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement while still protecting the privacy and sensitive nature of personnel files.

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https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB847