AB 438

This bill requires each law enforcement agency to ensure that its publicly

available policy on the use of force incorporates the following principles: that the

primary duty of all law enforcement is to preserve the life of all individuals; that

deadly force is to be used only as the last resort; that officers should use skills and

tactics that minimize the likelihood that force will become necessary; that, if officers

must use physical force, it should be the least amount of force necessary to safely

address the threat; and that law enforcement officers must take reasonable action

to stop or prevent any unreasonable use of force by their colleagues. This bill also

prohibits disciplining a law enforcement officer who reports a violation of a law

enforcement agency's policy regarding the use of force.

This bill also requires the Law Enforcement Standards Board to develop a

model use of force policy for law enforcement agencies. The model policy must

address interactions with individuals with mental disorders, alcohol or drug

problems, dementia disorders, and developmental disabilities; limit the use of force

against vulnerable populations; and include other best practices that LESB

identifies.