SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford), today, announced that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed AB 272, which would include custodial officers within the definition of a peace officer for the Counties of Inyo, Kings and Tulare.

“This bill is important because it gives these counties significantly more flexibility in the way they administer their custodial facilities,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “Seventeen other counties already have this classification and I believe Inyo, Kings and Tulare Counties should have the same access.”

Sparsely-populated counties such as Inyo, Kings and Tulare will be able to use this new classification of deputies to more efficiently and effectively staff custodial facilities and allow other deputies greater patrol and response times throughout the county. AB 272 brings Inyo, Kings, and Tulare Counties into line with the seventeen other counties in the state who are currently taking advantage of this classification.

AB 272 has been strongly supported by the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association; the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs; the California State Sheriffs’ Association; the Inyo County Board of Supervisors; the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department; Kings County; the Peace Officers Research Association of California; and the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.