Peace officers: confidentiality of records.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins proposes expanding access to confidential peace officer personnel records through legislation that would authorize civilian oversight boards and county inspectors general to review these materials during investigations. The measure amends both the Government Code and Penal Code to permit county-established sheriff oversight boards and inspectors general to examine personnel files while maintaining existing confidentiality requirements.

The bill outlines specific procedures for accessing and protecting sensitive information, including provisions for closed session review of records by oversight bodies. It grants subpoena power to board chairs and inspectors general for obtaining testimony and documents related to sheriff's department operations. The legislation explicitly states that these oversight functions do not interfere with sheriffs' investigative authority.

Under current law, peace officer personnel records are confidential with limited exceptions for criminal proceedings and certain administrative investigations. This measure adds civilian oversight entities to the list of bodies authorized to access these materials, while requiring them to follow the same confidentiality standards that apply to law enforcement agencies. The bill maintains existing public disclosure requirements for records related to use of force incidents, sustained findings of misconduct, and other specified circumstances.