Newsom Signs California Officer Misconduct Law, Raises Hiring Age to 21
The Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training would first review a local agency’s investigation into the officer’s behavior and determine if another probe is necessary. An advisory board made up of two law enforcement representatives, six members of the community and an attorney could also be recruited to analyze the facts and offer a disciplinary recommendation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Thursday that will make it easier to strip law enforcement officers with misconduct records of their badges and keep them from moving to another law enforcement agency without facing discipline.
“This has been hard,” Newsom said at a press conference in the Los Angeles area. “We have a lot to be proud of, but there are areas where we have nothing to brag about. California has asserted itself in certain areas, but it’s remarkable that we still struggle in other areas.”
Supported by the ACLU and community organizing groups, the new law sets up a multi-step review process to determine whether an officer’s conduct warrants a suspension or license revocation.
The Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training would first review a local agency’s investigation into the officer’s behavior and determine if another probe is necessary. An advisory board made up of two law enforcement representatives, six members of the community and an attorney could also be recruited to analyze the facts and offer a disciplinary recommendation, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Law enforcement unions and associations lobbied against SB 2. Opposing groups largely supported a decertification process in California, but raised questions about the composition of the advisory board over fears that it would be biased against officers.
Democrats and Republicans during floor debates made similar arguments and expressed concern that officers already feel demonized in California. SB 2 passed the Senate on a final 28-9 vote and the Assembly by 49-21. Many moderate Democrats in the Assembly abstained from voting.
In a statement, the Peace Officers Research Association said it was still worried about the board, along with what it considers “unclear, subjective and vague definitions” of “serious misconduct.” The association also said the new law doesn’t address California Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights, a law that offers some protections to police facing misconduct investigations.
Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 89: Previously, officers had to be at least 18 to get hired. This new law raises the hiring age to 21 and establishes certain higher education requirements for employment.
More Patrol
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →