Agencies must explicitly inquire on their citizen complaint forms whether the complainant alleges racial or identity profiling and if so, the specific type(s) alleged. For example, was it based on race or ethnicity (including color), nationality, age, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, mental disability, or physical disability? The bill requires each state and local agency to annually report data on stops conducted by the agency’s peace officers, including the time, date, location, and the stop’s reason.
How California police agencies document allegations and citizen complaints of racial profiling have changed per Assembly Bill 953, an act added to Section 12525.5 of the Government Code and amends Penal Code sections 13012 and 13519.4 relating to racial profiling and the collection and reporting of citizens’ complaints against peace officers. The bill requires in part that all law enforcement agencies report citizen complaint data, including those alleging criminal conduct, non-criminal complaints, and complaints alleging racial or identity profiling, to the State Department of Justice.
Assignment Criteria
1. For this assignment student are asked to review and explain the importance of Assembly Bill 953, to explore the citizen complaint process at a department in your area and present the process via a powerpoint to the class on December 16th presentation form.
2. Assume you are presenting at a community meeting where potential police recruits, the citizenry and local patrol officers may attend.
3. Prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation, your presentation should explain the key points Assembly Bill 953 and illustrate the local agencies process .
Include specific steps, important points of contact, and information about what occurs after a complaint is filed.
Explain the importance of having a complaint process for citizens and the importance of collecting the data required per Assembly Bill 953, also called the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA). Reflect on how California law enforcement officers might perceive the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA), and what are some of the potential challenges or concerns they may have regarding the requirements for data collection, transparency, and accountability under this bill? In your presentation address those officers or citizens who may have concerns about this bill.
