CA AB26

Requires law enforcement agencies to maintain use of force policies that mandate officers immediately report potential excessive force to a superior officer when observing another officer using force believed to be beyond necessary.

Prohibits retaliation against officers who report suspected violations of law or regulation by another officer to a supervisor or authorized investigative personnel.

Requires officers who fail to intercede when observing clearly excessive force, after receiving required training, to be disciplined up to and including in the same manner as the officer who committed the excessive force.

Defines "intercede" to include physically stopping excessive force, recording via body-worn camera if equipped, documenting intervention efforts, and reporting to dispatch or watch commander with offending officer's name, unit, location, time, and situation.

Effective January 1, 2021; does not supersede collective bargaining procedures under state labor relations acts.