SAN DIEGO — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation granting civilian oversight boards in California access to police personnel files when investigating misconduct complaints. The law, set to take effect on January 1, it will impact organizations such as San Diego County’s Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) and the City’s Commission on Police Practices.
Assembly Bill 847, written by La Mesa Assembly Member LaShae Sharp-Collins, expands the current law, which allows civilian oversight boards access to confidential records of peace officers under investigation, just like the District Attorney, grand juries, and the State Attorney General can.
“It is a huge deal,” said Sharp-Collins, speaking to CBS 8. “I believe that it is going to allow these oversight agencies to really do their job.”…