California investigates sixth officer-involved shooting in 2023

By RIA JOSEPH

CONTRIBUTOR

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The California Department of Justice will investigate and review an officer-involved shooting death of an individual per the requirements of AB 1506.

It is the sixth investigation of its kind since the year began and the second for San Bernardino.

The incident occurred on Sunday at 3:00 a.m. in Big Bear following a brief chase involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The law enacted from Assembly Bill 1506 allows for an independent investigation of a civilian death by state prosecutors if the decedent was unarmed or at the request of the local law enforcement agency for use-of-force review.

The California Department of Justice’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team responded following notification by local authorities and will work with local law enforcement during the investigation, after which recommendations will be made. respect, integrity, fairness and faithfulness.”

The bill, written by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, DSacramento, is meant to bring trust between communities and law enforcement by providing review for potential criminal liability for all such incidents apart from the state’s 58 district attorneys.

The bill was introduced in February 2019 and approved by the governor in September 2020. It went into effect in July 2021.

If criminal charges against the involved officer are warranted, the state prosecutor will initiate and prosecute a criminal action.

Approximately 150 cases involving either an officerinvolved shooting or a use of force by a peace officer that results in the death of a person occur every year in California. On average, an office-involved use of fatal force occurs every two and a half days.

“Live up to those values and you will have an exciting, enjoyable, and rewarding career,” Sheriff Brown said.

In addition to welcoming new employees, Sheriff Brown congratulated Melissa Gomez on her recent promotion to administrative office professional senior.

“The caliber and quality of our people is such that the competition for promotion is always very tough. Those who emerge successfully from this rigorous process are to be congratulated, and that is what today is all about.” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

To learn more about a career in law enforcement, go to www. sbsheriff.org/careers.

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TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER Goleta Holding DUI Checkpoint

GOLETA — The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will hold a DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday at an undisclosed location within Goleta.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services for the city of Goleta, is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. “The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. Since it’ll be St. Patrick’s Day, we also ask you to celebrate responsibly,” Sgt. Noel Rivas said in a news release.

“We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. The Sheriff’s Office reminds people to always follow instructions for medicine and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

“If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Drivers charged with a firsttime DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

— Katherine Zehnder

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