SB2 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2021 and includes major changes to peace officer hiring and eligibility, and eliminates certain immunity provisions for public entities employing peace officers. The legislation is widely viewed as the State of California’s single biggest police reform bill.
The bill requires a law enforcement agency employing peace officers to employ only individuals with a current, valid certification or pending certification. It also outlines a process for revoking peace officer certificates as a result of misconduct
The bill also creates, effective January 1, 2023, the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board with 9 appointed members.
January 1, 2022:
The bill requires POST to issue a proof of eligibility or basic certificate to those employed as a peace officer.
January 1, 2023:
The POST commission shall adopt by regulation a definition of “serious misconduct” that shall serve as the criteria to be considered for ineligibility for, or revocation of, certification.
Each law enforcement agency shall be responsible for investigations regarding allegations of serious misconduct by a peace officer, regardless of their employment status.
July 1, 2023:
Any agency employing peace officers shall report to the commission any qualifying serious misconduct events that occurred between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2023.
PRISM Risk Control attended the December 8th Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) meeting. An initial report was provided by POST staff on implementation plans. POST has also set up a website with relevant information and issued a recent Bulletin 2021-47. We will continue to monitor SB2 implementation plans by POST and share as important milestones are reached. For additional assistance or questions regarding SB2 implementation, please reach out to PRSM Risk Control.