Stockton - As part of the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office's continued efforts at strengthening trust and transparency with the public and local law enforcement agencies, the following charging policy directive will be effective as of September 17, 2021.

Before charging any person with resisting arrest, battery on an officer, or other allegations of force against an officer, the reviewing Deputy District Attorney must view all relevant video footage, including, but not limited to body-worn camera or dash camera footage.

"We will continue to prosecute cases of violence and resistance against law enforcement officers," said District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar. "This policy change only enhances transparency in our charging decisions and highlights the benefit of readily available video footage."

In the event video footage is not available, reviewing Deputy District Attorneys will consult a supervisor before finalizing any charging decision.

Effective September 17, 2021