California Assembly Bill AB958

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/21
• Refer: 3/25/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Refer: 3/26/21
• Report Pass: 4/28/21
• Refer: 5/3/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 5/28/21
• Refer: 5/28/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/8/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/8/21
• Chaptered: 9/30/21
• Passed: 9/30/21

Caption

Peace officers: law enforcement gangs.

Impact

The adoption of AB 958 introduces significant changes to existing laws regarding the behavior and conduct of peace officers. By defining and outlawing law enforcement gangs, it not only imposes new obligations on law enforcement agencies to maintain integrity but also seeks to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement. The bill applies statewide, influencing local agency policies, and creating a standard for accountability regarding officer conduct, which was previously unregulated.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 958 focuses on addressing the issue of law enforcement gangs within California's law enforcement agencies. It defines a law enforcement gang as a group of officers engaging in patterns of unlawful or unethical on-duty behavior, emphasizing that these groups undermine efforts to enhance professional standards of policing. The bill mandates law enforcement agencies to adopt policies prohibiting the existence of law enforcement gangs and sets clear grounds for termination for any officer involved in such gangs, ensuring accountability within the policing framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 958 has largely been positive among community advocates and various stakeholders who view the bill as a necessary step toward restoring faith in law enforcement. However, there are concerns among some law enforcement officials who deem the bill as potentially detrimental, questioning its implications for officer camaraderie and departmental culture. As a result, the discussions have highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining police solidarity and enforcing strict accountability for misconduct.

Contention

Contentious points within the discussions around AB 958 included concerns from law enforcement about how the characterization of groups as 'gangs' may lead to unfair stigma or policing practices. Proponents argue that addressing misconduct at its core through a ban on officer gangs is essential for the integrity of policing, while opponents worry that such measures could exacerbate issues of mistrust and division within police departments. This bill is viewed as a pivotal measure in determining the direction of law enforcement accountability moving forward.