We can and must hold police to a higher standard to reduce the number of deadly shootings. We have a right to know about how police departments investigate these killings and other police misconduct (like when officers commit sexual assault, lie in police reports, or plant evidence). Two bills in the California legislature can make this a reality - but only if we demand they pass!
AB 931
will change California's legal standard for when police can use deadly force to match best practices already in place at some departments - and that we know work to reduce police killings. Specifically, it will clarify that police should use deadly force only when there are no alternatives, and consider the officers' conduct leading up to a shooting in determining whether deadly force is justified.
SB 1421
will improve transparency and make sure police departments are holding officers accountable by restoring Californians' right to access records of officers who use serious force and are found guilty of committing sexual assault or serious misconduct by their department.
CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO ASK THEM TO PASS AB 931 AND SB 1421!
Sample Call Script
(Note: SB 1421 has passed the senate, but AB 931 must pass both houses. Ask your Senator to support AB 931; ask your Assemblymember to support both bills.)
"Hello, my name is [CALLER NAME] and I am a [CITY/TOWN] resident. I'm calling today to ask [REPRESENTATIVE] to support [SB 1421 and/ or AB 931] to increase police transparency and accountability.
- [AB 931] Reforming California law is common sense. Officers at agencies with stricter use of force policies kill fewer people and are less likely to be killed or seriously injured themselves. California can and must hold police to a higher standard to reduce the number of deadly shootings. Only then can we save lives.
- [SB 1421] California taxpayers have a right to know when police shoot, kill, plant evidence, or even sexually assault members of the public. But right now, state law forbids police departments from sharing this information. SB 1421 would change that.
- I urge [REPRESENTATIVE] to support [SB 1421 and/ or AB 931] to keep communities safe and police accountable."
Senator Richard Pan: (916) 651-4006
Assemblymember Ken Cooley: (916) 319-2008
Assemblymember Jim Cooper: (916) 319-2009
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: (916) 319-2007
Find your legislators:
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