Public safety officers and firefighters: investigations and interrogations.

The Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act and the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act grant certain rights to public safety officers and firefighters, as defined. The acts require that, when any public safety officer or firefighter is under investigation and subjected to interrogation by his or her commanding officer, or any other member of the employing public safety department or fire department, that could lead to punitive action, the interrogation be conducted under certain conditions, except as specified. This bill would provide that if an interrogation focuses on matters that may result in punitive action against a public safety officer or firefighter who is not formally under investigation, but is interviewed regarding the investigation of another public safety officer or firefighter, the public safety officer or firefighter being interviewed is entitled to representation, as specified. By adding to the duties of local agencies to comply with the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act and the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.