[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]n a massive 180-turn, California is on course to transform from one of the most secretive to one of the most transparent states when it comes to releasing records on police misconduct.
State legislators late Friday approved two landmark measures designed to grant the public access to internal investigations of police shootings and release body cam footage of major incidents. The bills show a reverse of course for the state, which has long been one of the most veiled on the issue.
Advocates of the measures hope to build confidence in California law enforcement in the wake of repeated police killings of civilians. Los Angeles has a long history of police brutality and the legacy of the Rodney King trial is still felt to this day. Groups like Black Lives Matter played a pivotal role in the visibility of these incidents and applying public pressure to legislators, according to people involved.