A law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020 was meant to increase police accountability by having the state attorney general’s office investigate fatal police shootings. However, the investigations have been delayed, with some taking over three years to complete.

Delays in Investigations

The delays have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the law, with some arguing that it has actually weakened police accountability. The average fatal shooting investigation takes nearly two years and five months to complete, with only eight of 41 closed cases taking less than two years.

The delays have also meant that officers involved in the shootings have not been held accountable, with no officers being prosecuted or referred for decertification. The lack of accountability has been criticized by police accountability advocates, who argue that it undermines trust in the police and the justice system.

Local Impact

In one case, the family of David Couch, who was shot by a California Highway Patrol officer in 2023, has been waiting for over three years for the investigation to be completed. The investigation found that there was insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer, but the family has filed a lawsuit against the state and the officer.

The case highlights the need for more efficient and effective investigations into police shootings, and the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions. The delays in investigations have meant that families of victims have been left waiting for justice, and that officers have not been held accountable for their actions.

Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.