S.F. No. 138 Summary

• Law enforcement agencies must establish and enforce updated written use of force policies by November 1, 2020, developed with community and faith-based leader input, and submit policies to the board by November 15, 2020.

• Peace officers are required to report all suspected illegal, unethical, dishonest, or unauthorized conduct by other officers, including excessive force, to their chief law enforcement officer or governing body if the chief is involved.

• Peace officers must immediately investigate use of force incidents they witness, determine if force is justified or excessive, intervene to stop excessive force, and render assistance to victims.

• Peace officers must consider the sanctity of life before using force, de-escalate situations when safe, use only reasonable and necessary force proportionate to circumstances, and employ sound tactics like distance and cover before using force.

• Violations result in licensing sanctions including suspension or revocation, and knowingly violating these duties is a gross misdemeanor; employers cannot retaliate against officers for required reporting, and violations are a misdemeanor with potential back wages and reinstatement remedies.