SB 1286 Summary

• Requires law enforcement agencies to provide complainants written notification within 30 days of complaint disposition, including charges framed, agency disposition on each charge, factual findings, and any discipline or corrective action imposed.

• Makes peace officer personnel records and misconduct complaint records publicly available under the California Public Records Act for cases involving use of force causing death or serious injury, sexual assault, excessive force, unjustified detention/arrest, racial profiling, discrimination, or job-related dishonesty.

• Specifies that records disclosed must include the complaint/allegation, full investigation file, evidence gathered, and findings or discipline imposed, with redactions limited to personal data, complainant/witness identities, and information posing significant danger to safety.

• Permits agencies to withhold use-of-force records during investigation until the employing agency determines whether policy was violated or district attorney decides whether to file charges, but not longer than 180 days from the use of force.

• Expands access to officer records for civilian review agencies, inspectors general, personnel boards, police commissions, city councils, boards of supervisors, and other entities investigating officer misconduct, conducting audits, or adjudicating complaints.