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