San José, CA (September 30, 2021) — “Today Governor Newsom signed an important measure into law, sponsored by Senator Steven Bradford, which will help make our communities safer by establishing a new Peace Officer Standards Division to build accountability for California’s law enforcement officers. By addressing both systemic police violence and unjust policing, I truly believe that SB 2 represents a critical step forward in creating a more racially just and equitable future for Silicon Valley and all Californians.”
SB 2 amends the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act, bringing accountability standards and processes around who is eligible to be a member of the law enforcement community and how serious claims of officer misconduct are investigated and remedied.
Specifically, SB 2:
- Prohibits a person who has been convicted of a felony, as specified, from regaining eligibility for peace officer employment based upon any later order of the court – there are specific exceptions to the above.
- Creates a Peace Officer Standards Division
- The Division is responsible for reviewing and thoroughly investigating serious claims of officer misconduct.
- Makes recommendations to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards Training on whether to decertify a police officer.
- Eliminates certain immunity provisions for peace officers, custodial officers, or public entities sued under the act.
About SVLG:
The Leadership Group is a business organization of hundreds of Silicon Valley’s most dynamic companies working to shape the innovation economy of California and the nation. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, for over 40 years the SVLG has worked to address issues that affect the region’s economic health and quality of life. Today the SVLG Is focused on economic competitiveness with a special focus on diversity & inclusion, climate change and infrastructure. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the worldwide economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
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