California Senate Bill SB1392

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20
• Refer: 3/12/20

Caption

Peace officers: basic course of training.

Impact

The passage of SB 1392 could streamline the application process for individuals seeking to become peace officers while reinforcing legislative measures that aim to enhance public safety. By ensuring that applicants provide valid certifications regarding their criminal backgrounds, the bill seeks to prevent individuals who may pose a risk from entering the police force. Although it introduces technical amendments, the bill represents a policy movement towards stricter oversight of peace officer qualifications.

Summary

Senate Bill 1392, introduced by Senator Bradford, amends Section 13511.5 of the California Penal Code, focusing on the basic training requirements for peace officers. The bill aims to ensure that each applicant aspiring to enter a basic course of training, particularly those involving firearms, must submit a written certification to the Department of Justice. This certification must confirm that the individual does not possess any criminal history that would legally prevent them from owning or using a firearm. This requirement reinforces the standards for safety and compliance in peace officer training across California.

Contention

While the bill primarily makes technical, nonsubstantive changes, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implications of certifying criminal backgrounds for aspiring peace officers. Advocates for more rigorous scrutiny of applicants see it as a necessary step to safeguard communities. In contrast, others may argue that it could inadvertently limit opportunities for qualified candidates due to past infractions, depending on how the background checks are prioritized and handled. Notable points of contention may arise from discussions on how these requirements could affect diversity and recruitment within law enforcement.