SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D-17) announced today that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 805, legislation she authored for the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP) and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).  AB 805 protects officers from having their place of residence revealed on concealed weapon’s permits.  AB 805 received bipartisan support and quickly moved through the State Legislature.

“In today’s world of hi-tech crimes, privacy and identity violations and identity theft, law enforcement officers are particularly vulnerable to retaliation should an identification card ever be lost or stolen,” said Assemblymember Galgiani.  “Although the reality of today’s Internet is that virtually no one can be assured that their most private information cannot be accessed, it shouldn’t be made easier by having the officer’s address appear on the identification card.  Protecting the confidentially of peace officers’ home addresses is very important and there is no reason for jeopardizing the safety of peace officers.”

The purpose of this card is to readily identity officers who are authorized to carry a concealed weapon and  listing an officer’s home address is not necessary.  AB 805 also states that this identification card may not be used to purchase, sell or transfer a firearm, further limiting the need for this card to contain an officer’s address.

“Protecting the home addresses of both active and retired peace officers from those seeking revenge against them is critical”, said Aaron Read, of Aaron Read and Associates whose firm represents both the California Association of Highway Patrolmen and the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the co-sponsors of AB 805.  “This is the reason why these two large, well known and highly respected law enforcement associations – who combined represent almost 75,000 active and retired peace officers – joined together in asking Assemblymember Galgiani to carry this important bill.  We are thankful to Assemblymember Galgiani for authoring this bill that will help to protect the lives of our officers.”