May 24, 2004 :: SB 1676 - OPPOSE/UNLESS AMENDED

The Honorable Gloria Romero
State Capitol, Room 5051
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re:SB 1676 - OPPOSE/UNLESS AMENDED

Dear Senator Romero:

On behalf of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, we are writing to indicate our opposition to SB1676 (Romero) unless amended as discussed below.

SB1676 will require a de novo determination by the State Attorney General to accept a case in certain circumstances to prosecute employee criminal misconduct. We would simply like the bill amended to also include de novo review by the Attorney General to prosecute "inmate/parolee" criminal misconduct.

As you know, the State Attorney General is involved in defending the state in civil litigation. More involvement in criminal prosecution of state employees, as opposed to the local district attorney handling the prosecution, will increase the need for the State to contract with private counsel at state expense due to conflicts of interest in civil matters. We hope you are aware that the State must fulfill its lawful duty to defend state employees.

With the inclusion of our suggested amendments, we would be pleased to support this measure. Thank you for considering our views.

Sincerely,
Debra Heusel, Chair
CCPOA Legislative Committee

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