Local Assemblyman's Prison Safety Bill Calls for Investigation Into Death Threats Against Correctional Officers

The following was submitted for publication by the office of Assemblymember Marc Levine:

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) has introduced Assembly Bill 293, to help improve safety in our prisons. This bill will require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish statewide guidelines for investigating death threats against California Correctional Peace Officers.

“San Quentin houses some of the most dangerous felons in California. It is critical to make sure that the women and men who guard these prisoners are safe,” said Levine. “This bill simply requires that these peace officers are notified when an inmate or a family member of an inmate makes a death threat, and that the threat be investigated.”

“The California Correctional Peace Officers Association is in strong support of AB 293 and believes it will result in improved safety for our members and their families,” said CCPOA Statewide President Chuck Alexander. “This bill will go a long way towards addressing this very serious matter as well as the consideration shown for the safety of the women and men that we represent.”

AB 293 will create uniformity among our correctional institutions and consistency for investigating serious death threats. Currently, there is no Department-wide policy on how death threats are treated or investigated. Some prisons have no notification procedures on file. Consequently, under existing Department practices, death threats can be made against prison peace officers, and the officer may never be notified.

“The current situation potentially puts the peace officer, the officer’s family, and the officer’s community at risk. This is unacceptable and must be changed,” said Levine.

Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District, which includes Marin and Sonoma Counties. Marin County is home to San Quentin State Prison - California’s oldest and best known correctional institution. The state’s only gas chamber and death row for all male condemned inmates are located at San Quentin.

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