Criminal procedure: interrogations.

Assembly Member Kalra's legislation establishes new protocols for peace officers and prosecuting attorneys when interviewing immediate family members of individuals killed or seriously injured by law enforcement. The measure adds requirements for how these sensitive interviews must be conducted, regardless of location.

Under the proposed rules, officers and prosecutors must identify themselves and their agency before beginning any interview with a victim's immediate family member, showing official identification during in-person interactions. They must inform family members about their relative's status and explicitly state that the person may consult with an attorney or support person, is not required to speak with officers, and need not go to the police station. The interviewer must also disclose that their investigation may examine potential culpability of the deceased or injured person. The bill defines immediate family members as spouses, domestic partners, parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, children and grandchildren related by blood, marriage or adoption.

The measure builds upon existing law, which already requires prosecutors, defense attorneys and investigators to identify themselves when interviewing victims or witnesses. As a state-mandated local program, the bill provides for reimbursement to local agencies for any new costs incurred in implementing these requirements, subject to review by the Commission on State Mandates.