The California Reserve Peace Officers Association has filed suit against the California Department of Justice seeking to overturn new rules implemented by Attorney General Kamala Harris which prevent reserve officers and deputies from acquiring patrol rifles for use in their law enforcement duties as permitted by California law. The DOJ implemented these new rules without notice or analysis, overturning years of prior practice and despite clear exemptions enacted by the legislature which allow peace officers to acquire patrol rifles for use in their law enforcement duties.

“California reserve officers and deputies are on the streets patrolling neighborhoods and keeping the public safe every single day,” said Kevin Bernzott, CRPOAs Chief Executive Officer. “With terrorist attacks regularly occurring here and around the world, and horrific murders of peace officers just because we wear a badge, the DOJ’s action deprives reserve peace officers of a tool necessary to protect ourselves, our colleagues and the communities we serve. The legislature wisely enacted categorical exemptions for patrol rifles for all sworn peace officers. It’s sad that we have to ask a Superior Court judge to compel the Attorney General to do comply with the Penal Code.”

CRPOA General Counsel Jim Rene noted, “The legal action seeks to enforce provisions of the Penal Code exempting reserve peace officers from the prohibition on the sale of patrol rifles to the general public.”

You can see a copy of the suit here: We will update our members as the suit progresses.