San Anselmo, Fairfax Assemblyman's 'Prison Safety Bill' Advances

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

Assembly Bill 293 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) was approved unanimously Tuesday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

AB 293 (Levine) will help improve safety in our prisons by requiring the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish statewide guidelines for investigating 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 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.”

This legislation will create uniformity among our correctional institutions and consistency for investigating serious threats. Currently, there is no Department-wide policy on how threats are treated or investigated. Some prisons have no procedures on file. Consequently, under existing Department practices, 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.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee approved AB 293 (Levine) by a 6-0 vote. It will be heard next by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

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