Sheriff’s Office responds to Senate Bill 54 compliance questions
Sheriff’s Office outlines legal limits on disclosing criminal histories
Sheriff’s Office outlines legal limits on disclosing criminal histories– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said it acted in full compliance with California Senate Bill 54 in every case referenced in a July 24 San Luis Obispo Tribune article that reportedly suggested Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees may have been released in violation of the law.
The Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Monday after previously providing a brief response that did not address the specific individuals referenced in the article.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, California law prohibits the public release of an individual’s state criminal history information, commonly referred to as a “RAP sheet.” The agency said state summary criminal history information maintained by the California Department of Justice is confidential under California Penal Code section 11105.
The Sheriff’s Office said law enforcement agencies may access the information only for authorized law enforcement purposes and generally may not redisclose it to unauthorized individuals, including members of the public or the media. As a result, the agency said it cannot release information that would reveal an individual’s criminal history in response to media inquiries or public records requests.
After reviewing the newspaper article and the underlying information, the Sheriff’s Office said it confirmed that it acted in full compliance with California Senate Bill 54 in every case referenced.
The Sheriff’s Office also announced it created a public website that provides the maximum amount of information permitted under California law regarding compliance with California Senate Bill 54. The agency said legal restrictions prevent the release of confidential criminal history information, but it remains committed to providing the public with as much information as possible.
The Sheriff’s Office said anyone who believes it is not complying with California Senate Bill 54 may contact the California Attorney General’s Office. The agency said it is required to report relevant compliance data to the Attorney General and would cooperate with any review by providing specific information that cannot legally be disclosed to the public.
