CA AB651

Grants firefighters and public safety officers who are interviewed as witnesses in investigations of other officers the right to have representation when they have reasonable cause to believe the interrogation may result in punitive action against them.

Allows witness firefighters and public safety officers to choose a representative who is reasonably available, and requires the representative to be permitted to be present at all times during the interview.

Prohibits representatives from being required to disclose information received from the interviewed officer or from being subjected to punitive action for refusing to make such disclosures for noncriminal matters.

Renders any statements taken after a firefighter or public safety officer requests representation—if that request is denied—inadmissible in disciplinary proceedings and prohibits their use in determining or imposing punitive action.

Preserves existing rights and privileges established through memoranda of understanding or collective bargaining agreements, and does not limit parties from negotiating higher standards of rights or privileges.