172536_CPCA_2020_Spring Magazine - Final | Page 13

DNA COLLECTION In addition to amending felony theft, Prop 47 restricted the ability to collect DNA for certain crimes that it reduced to misdemeanors. Most notably, the Proposition disallowed DNA collection for certain theft and drug crimes that have resulted in hundreds of fewer cold case hits on violent crimes. DNA collection does not just help law enforcement officers identify suspects, it helps clear the innocent and wrongly convicted, and makes violent offenders statistically less likely to re-offend. The initiative will restore DNA collection from people convicted for theft and drug crimes, while continuing to protect the privacy of individuals by removing their DNA profile if they are ultimately acquitted, found innocent or not charged with a crime. PAROLE VIOLATIONS Current law allows inmates with serious and violent criminal histories to be eligible for parole based solely on the offender’s most recent commitment offense. The initiative will instead require the Board of Parole Hearings to consider an inmate’s entire criminal history when deciding parole and require a hearing for potential parole revocation if a parolee is found in violation three times. Now that the initiative has been outlined, the question is what can be done to ensure its passage. In jointed effort with the League of California Cities, we are encouraging every city across the state to sign and adopt a resolution supporting the measure, showing solidarity with law enforcement agencies against the endangerment of our most vulnerable citizens. We ask that members of CPCA help educate others about the importance of this initiative, and what it means for all Californians. At some point we all must draw a line and stand up for the communities that rely on their law enforcement officers for peace and protection. This initiative is a step in the right direction. Best Best & Krieger LLP presents the Advanced Records Center (ARC), a rapid response team dedicated to helping law enforcement agencies with: • Strategically responding to public records requests; • Expertly navigating requests for police personnel records and audio & video files; “Best Best & Krieger has been (as usual) an incredibly dependable advocate and resource for our agency. The CPRA services and e-discovery team they have assembled to assist us in traversing this new area of public records release and demand has been incredibly responsive…They provided counsel to our agency with recommendations on how to proceed, and as the unfolding drama of pending lawsuits were resolved, it was obvious their guidance was spot on.” ~ Captain Jeff Bell, Shafter Police Department • Efficiently preparing body and dash cam footage for public release; and • Skillfully advising police chiefs on the intricacies of the Public Records Act. For more information, please email [email protected] www.bbklaw.com Irvine | Indian Wells | Los Angeles | Manhattan Beach | Ontario | Riverside | Sacramento I San Diego | Walnut Creek SPRING 2020 | CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF 13