A recent 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.

Assembly Bill 1648 and Senate Bill 1019 would allow a return to police oversight by making information about police complaints that result in discipline accessible to our communities. This legislation would restore police transparency and improve police community relations - which are key to good government and publicly accountable police.

Police officers are entrusted with great power and great responsibility, and 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.