News & Training

At Stone Busailah, we strive to keep you updated and informed.

TRAINING

 Coming soon… Supervisors and the Firefighter Procedural Bill of Rights Act – 2020

NEWS

Young v. State of Hawaii (and others)

Young v. State of Hawaii (and others)

Hawaii law requires that residents seeking a license to openly carry a firearm in public must demonstrate “the urgency or the need” to carry a firearm, must be of good moral character, and must be “engaged in the protection of life and property.” George Young applied...

TRAINING BULLETIN

TRAINING BULLETIN

Well, there it is. A subpoena to attend and testify before the grand jury. Now what do you do? The answer, beyond appearing at the required time on the subpoena, depends upon understanding both the grand jury process and your position with respect to the particular...

WAIVER OF MIRANDA FOR OFF-DUTY CONDUCT

WAIVER OF MIRANDA FOR OFF-DUTY CONDUCT

In an unpublished decision, the California Appeals Court affirmed a trial court’s decision upholding the dismissal of a deputy for an off-duty use of force, based in part on the deputy’s own voluntary statements to criminal investigators, where there was “no...

BOATER CANNOT BE COMPELLED TO TAKE BLOOD ALCOHOL TEST

BOATER CANNOT BE COMPELLED TO TAKE BLOOD ALCOHOL TEST

By Robert Rabe, Esq. On September 3, 2017, Yolo County Sheriff’s Sergeant Machado detained the occupants of a boating vessel on the Sacramento River for speed-related violations of the Harbors and Navigation Code. During this detention, Sergeant Machado made contact...

“BRADY LIST” ARGUMENT IN SUPREME COURT

“BRADY LIST” ARGUMENT IN SUPREME COURT

Author: Muna Busailah, Esq. The California Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on June 5, 2019. The case concerns whether the LASD’s disclosure of a “Brady list” or providing a “Brady alert” to the LA District Attorney’s office would violate Pitchess. Put...

TRAINING Bulletins 

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No Discipline for Officer’s Refusal To Consent To Cell Search TURIANO V. CITY OF PHOENIX CV-21-01428-PHX-MTL

Question - Can you be disciplined for refusing to produce your personal cell phone for an administrative search?   Answer - In sum, peace officers can expect that their personal cell phones, if purchased by themselves, may generally not be searched by their...

The First Amendment Audit

By now many public safety personnel have likely seen YouTube videos posted by someone claiming to be a reporter working on a story, otherwise known as an auditor. These auditors’ videos record interactions while antagonizing an officer in a public place. Reporters...

Officer Involved Shootings OR Use of Force Event

You’ve been involved in an officer involved shooting or use of force event. As part of your duties, you prepare a report documenting your involvement in the incident. It’s near the end of your shift and you’re confident that you remember the specifics and the details...

Can My Statements to Investigators Be Used Against Me?

Investigators want to ask you some questions about allegations that could be criminal in nature, say an allegation of theft on duty. You’re concerned because you don’t know whether your statement can be used against you criminally if you answer the questions. No, not...

Can My Employer Investigate Me for Information on My Cell Phone?

My employer can’t access and investigate me for information on my personal cell phone, right? Wrong! Information on your personal cell phone can be seized by your employer in some circumstances, and you can be investigated and disciplined as a result. Let me explain....

Can I Be Sued for Questioning a Suspect After They Invoke Their Fifth Amendment Rights?

Can I be sued and personally held liable for questioning a suspect after he invokes his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination? Yes, you can have civil damages awarded against you from violating Miranda. How’s this so? I thought it was only a suppression of...

Can I Be Disciplined for My Social Media Post?

Can you be disciplined for what you post on social media? The short answer is yes. Wait, you think, how can that be? Don’t I have a right to freedom of speech? My posts are on my personal account and I didn’t identify myself as an officer. So how can my employer...

Can I Be Disciplined for a Co-Worker’s Group Text?

Can you be disciplined for being part of your co-workers group text conversation even though you didn’t post a comment in a thread? The short answer is yes. I’m Muna Busailah, managing partner of the police defense firm Stone Busailah, and for decades we’ve...

Before Testifying Do This Thing FIRST

Before you testify in an administrative hearing in court or when giving a statement in an investigation, it is crucial that you review any and all materials that you have access to related to the incident. Why is that such a big...

Officer’s Criminal Conviction for Hacking Reversed

The Court found the “without authorization” clause protects computers from external threat actors, while the “exceeds authorized access” clause protects information from internal threat actors, or “hackers” within the organization who obtain information from areas where their access does not extend.

LANGE v CALIFORNIA SCOTUS Restricts Search of Home Without Warrant

SCOTUS case involving the warrantless entry into a home following the pursuit of a misdemeanor suspect.

Attorney General Offers Guidance on AB1506 OIS Investigations

Latest Attorney General guidance on investigating police shootings of “unarmed” civilians.