Peace officers: confidentiality of records.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins proposes expanding access to confidential peace officer personnel records through new civilian oversight mechanisms. The legislation allows counties to establish sheriff oversight boards and inspector general offices with authority to examine personnel files during investigations of officer conduct.

The measure modifies existing confidentiality provisions to grant these oversight bodies access to records of citizen complaints, internal investigations, and disciplinary actions, while requiring them to maintain strict confidentiality. Oversight boards and inspectors general would have subpoena power to compel testimony and document production related to sheriff's department operations.

Counties could create these oversight entities either through board of supervisors action or voter approval. The boards would consist of civilian appointees, with one member serving as chair. Their investigative activities would not legally constitute obstruction of sheriff's department functions.

The bill also amends public records law regarding peace officer personnel files, specifying which records must be disclosed, including sustained findings of excessive force, sexual assault, discrimination, dishonesty and unlawful arrests. Agencies must follow detailed procedures for redacting sensitive information and may delay release during active investigations under certain conditions.