For Immediate Release:

September 19, 2025

Sacramento, CA- At its core, law enforcement is not about politics. The men and women who wear the badge did not sign up to take sides in political debates or to be drawn into partisan disputes. They swore an oath to protect their communities, respond in times of crisis, and keep people safe – nothing more, and nothing less.

SB 627 risks distorting that mission. It assumes that local officers are engaged in activities outside their purview – such as immigration enforcement or political demonstrations—when in fact, their role is to safeguard neighborhoods, de-escalate dangerous situations, and protect lives. Officers are not interested in fueling political discourse; they are committed to service and safety.

What is too often overlooked in the Capitol is the human cost. Officers and their families live with the consequences of these decisions. They face the risks of doing this work in an environment where political rhetoric can escalate into threats, hostility, or even violence against them. Yet, at no point were officers seriously consulted in the development of this bill. Legislators did not ask what these mandates would mean for the people on the front lines – the people whose safety and effectiveness depend on having the right tools, training, and trust.

We respectfully ask the Governor and Legislature to pause and reconsider. Public safety policy should be built on collaboration, not assumptions. Officers should not be put in legal jeopardy for using protective equipment or carrying out their duties. Our communities deserve laws that reflect the realities of policing and respect those who serve them.

For these reasons, we urge a veto of SB 627 in its current form and a renewed effort to work with law enforcement professionals on solutions that balance accountability, transparency, and officer safety.

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The Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (S.C.D.S.A.) represents more than 1,500 rank and file sergeants, deputies and non-sworn members working in Sacramento County. For media inquiries, contact Savannah Potter, Communications and Media Specialist, S.C.D.S.A., spotter@scdsa.org.