Governor Signs Lieu Bill Protecting Public Safety Officials

August 30, 2010

AB 1813 (Lieu) blocks their personal data from being accessed by smart phones
 
(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) announced today that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an important bill that will protect the privacy of public safety officers by blocking their personal data from being accessed by smart phone applications.
 
"The proliferation of cell-phone based databases gives criminals easy access to the personal information of our public safety officials," said Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance). "I am very pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger recognizes this immediate threat to their privacy and signed my bill."
 
Assembly Bill 1813 ensures these smart phone applications are included within current privacy provisions granted to public safety officials. Furthermore, AB 1813 extends these opt-out provisions to more peace officers and retired district attorneys, judges, public defenders and employees who directly supervise prison inmates.
 
The threat of intimidation, harassment and violence continues even after these officials retire from their line of work. AB 1813 will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of public safety officials and their families.
 
This bill is sponsored by the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and supported by numerous law enforcement organizations.
 
"A cop could make an arrest of a gang member and an associate of the suspect could be at the arresting officer's house before the perpetrator is even booked," said Alan Barcelona, CSLEA President and sponsor of the bill. "This new law will provide peace officers a much needed protection from technologically savvy criminals with a vendetta."
 
AB 1813 is designated Chapter 194 of the Statutes of 2010.
 
Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu is Chair of the Select Committee on Consumer Financial Protection. He represents the 53rd Assembly District, which includes El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Marina Del Rey, and portions of the City of Los Angeles.