SAN JOSE, CA— Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) was honored by the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) with an award in “Legislative Excellence,” for his work to bring more transparency to the workings of government.  

Barbara Attard, San Jose’s Independent Police Auditor and NACOLE Past President said, “For many years Assemblyman Mark Leno has shown political courage and strong conviction in his support of civilian oversight and transparency regarding police misconduct while ensuring the safety of officers and victims.  NACOLE proudly presents our Legislative Champion Award to Assemblyman Leno.”

Earlier this year, Leno authored AB 1648 to restore transparency in police oversight hearings.  The measure would have allowed police commissions throughout the state to resume conducting their hearings in public.  Since the California Supreme Court’s decision in Copley Press v. San Diego on August 29, 2006, police commissions, civilian review boards, personnel boards or civil service commissions are forced to operate in secrecy.  AB 1648 would have allowed these entities to once again hold open meetings. 

“Throughout my legislative career, I’ve strived to bring more transparency to government,” said Assemblyman Mark Leno.  “I am very proud to be recognized for my work in this area by the National Association of Civilian Oversight’s through their Award in Legislative Excellence.”

“I applaud the work of NACOLE, which works with law enforcement to bring transparency and accountability to police proceedings,” added Leno. 

Local, national and international professionals in the field of civilian oversight of law enforcement from 26 states and 13 countries attended the 13th Annual NACOLE Conference in San Jose this week.   NACOLE provides education and support to those involved in the oversight of law enforcement and police misconduct, and works to increase awareness of civilian oversight in the community.