CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT OF POLICE AGENCIES

Copley Press v. Superior Court

Copley Press, the publisher of the San Diego Union Tribune, challenged the San Diego Civil Service Commission’s decision to deny public access to administrative appeal hearings reviewing demotions and terminations of peace officers by their public employers.

After the Fourth District Court of Appeal in California held that Copley Press was entitled to disclosure of the officer’s identity and information related to the hearing, the California Supreme Court granted review, decertifying the court’s decision.

The ACLU filed and amicus brief urging affirmance of the Court of Appeal’s decision, and the case was argued on June 7, 2006.

Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeal’s decision on August 31, 2006 and held, over a strong dissent, that documents of the civil service commission proceedings are exempt from public disclosure.

The ACLU is urging support of two bills in the California Legislature to lift the cloak of secrecy from police conduct. Visit our Take Action page and send your own personal letter to your Assemblymember and Senator today!