Attorney General Sponsors Legislation to Conduct Statewide Evaluation of Officer-Involved Shootings

SACRAMENTO – Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced that he is joining members of the California Black, Latino, and Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucuses in sponsoring legislation to promote safety, transparency, and improved public trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The legislation, AB 284, the Deadly Force Evaluation Act, would require the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a first-of-its kind statewide evaluation of officer-involved shootings. AB 284 was introduced by Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (District 7-Sacramento), Rob Bonta (District 18-Oakland), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (District 59-South Los Angeles) and co-authored by Senator Ben Hueso (District 40-San Diego) and Assemblymember Chris Holden (District 41-Pasadena).

“Deadly force incidents leave a lasting imprint on our communities and the officers involved. We need to develop targeted, effective solutions that can prevent the likelihood of these incidents,” said Attorney General Becerra. “AB 284 will, for the first time, take a comprehensive look that ensures facts, not innuendo, guide state policy. As the State’s chief law enforcement officer, I want to ensure that appropriate policies, training and oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place to keep our communities and peace officers safe.”

Under AB 284, the DOJ would be required to evaluate officer-involved shooting incidents resulting in death or serious injury occurring between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. Pursuant to the bill, DOJ would study the nature and circumstances of officer-involved shootings across the state, including examining the policies, procedures, and training in place at the employing agency of the officer.

The bill also would require DOJ to prepare a written report describing its findings and recommendations