It was a proud moment today when I read the Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB566, legislation that would have required rank and file Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) commissioners to be active members of their local union.
Senator Tom Harman was the ONLY Orange County Republican to vote for the Mark Ridley-Thomas bill.
The Governor said in his veto letter:
"To the Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 566 without my signature.
California’s peace officers are tasked with the important job of ensuring public safety.
Each day their job requires decisions that can have a lasting impact on the lives of the
citizens of this state and their trust in government. Peace officers need to be selected
from a pool of high-caliber individuals.
In California, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training is the state entity
responsible for setting the minimum standards for selection and training for California
peace officers. Given the incredibly important nature of their work, we should strive to
have a broad pool of candidates so this Commission has the best membership possible.
As a result, I cannot support a bill that would limit the ability of this or any future
administration to appoint the most qualified individuals.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger"
Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger!