Peace officers: theft.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary text does not provide specific details about the consequences for peace officers who steal property valued at less than $950.

Peace Officers: Theft

AB-2337 changes the law to make theft by peace officers under their authority grand theft, regardless of the value of what was stolen.

What This Bill Does

• Adds a new rule that allows POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) to take away or suspend the certification of a peace officer who steals something while using their official power.
• Changes how theft by public officers is treated. If a public officer takes property without legal permission, it will be considered grand theft no matter what the value of the stolen item is.

Who It Names or Affects

• Peace officers who commit theft under their official authority can have their certification suspended or revoked.
• Local agencies and school districts are not required to pay additional costs due to the changes made by this bill.

Terms To Know

POST

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, which sets rules for peace officers in California.

Certification

A formal recognition that a person meets the required standards to work as a peace officer.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if the stolen property is worth less than $950.
• It only applies to theft committed by public officers under their official authority, and not all types of theft.

Official Summary Text

AB 2337, as amended, Lackey.
Theft.
Peace officers: theft.
Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to set minimum standards for the recruitment and training of peace officers and to develop training courses and curriculum. Existing law authorizes POST to suspend or revoke the certification of a peace officer if the peace officer has engaged in any serious misconduct, as specified. Existing law requires POST to adopt by regulation a definition of “serious misconduct” that serves as the criteria to be considered for ineligibility for, or revocation of, certification, as provided.
This bill would additionally authorize POST to suspend or revoke the certification of a peace officer who commits specified theft under color of authority.
Existing law, the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, enacted as an initiative statute by Proposition 47, as approved by the electors at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, makes the theft of money, labor, or property petty theft punishable as a misdemeanor, whenever the value of the property taken does not exceed $950. Existing law defines theft of a value exceeding that amount as grand theft, and defines theft of a firearm as grand theft regardless of the value of the property taken. Existing law authorizes the Legislature to amend the provisions of the act by a
2
3
vote of each house of the Legislature if it is consistent with, and furthers the purpose of, the act.
This bill would make theft of property taken without lawful
authority by a public officer under color of authority grand theft regardless of the value of the property taken. By increasing the punishment of a crime, 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF