We need you to help pass AB 1185 in California. Action needed today (Wednesday, 6/17)! Here's what and here's why!
Hearing on AB 1185 to establish better sheriff oversight boards in California is taking place tomorrow (Thursday 6/18) in the State Senate. It has passed the State Assembly already. Call Senators Bill Dodd (707- 576-2093) and Mike Mcguire (707-576-2771) and tell them to support and to tell their colleagues to support!
This bill will allow Boards of Supervisors to grant subpoena and investigatory powers to agencies for oversight of their sheriffs. Requiring them to grant it will still require political action on our part - taking from "allow" to "You'd better do it or else." Currently, Boards of Supervisors* have claimed that they can't grant those powers.
County counsels (those county lawyers who don't know what you're talking about when you talk about brutality, discrimination, violation of human rights) claim that it is unconstitutional for BOS to grant those powers. But there is no case law to support that.
So, get this bill passed and take away that excuse from your Board of Supervisors!
* The Board of Supervisors in Los Angeles County recently gave their Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission these powers - they aren't waiting because they believe its already constitutional.