Thursday, January 23, 2014

POBR, FFBOR Amendments Clarify Witness Right to Representative

On January 17, 2014, the state senate amended Senate Bill 388.  the law would amend the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (POBR) and Fire Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act (FFBOR).  Both laws give legal rights to officers and firefighters under investigation or witnesses in an investigation.  According to the Senate Committee Analysis, "SB 388 would specify that a firefighter or peace officer witness may have a representative present when questioned by his or her employer regarding the investigation of another firefighter or peace officer, if that interview may lead to disciplinary action against the witness, as specified."  Senator Ted Lieu introduced the bill.