Why California's proposed law on deadly police force isn't as tough as it seems

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the aftermath of several controversial police shootings in California, activists and victims' families have hoped their anguish would lead to action.

They have protested, pleaded and lobbied for a law that would clear long-standing hurdles to criminal prosecution in some cases.

But the focus of their hopes - a bill facing its first public hearing next week - may come up short. Experts on both sides of the debate say the proposal won't be what community groups want or what law enforcement fears.

"I don't think its going to end proactive policing, and I don't think it's going to cause more officers to be locked up," said John Burris, a civil rights attorney who specializes in police shootings. "I think it's more of a scare tactic than not."

In fervent rhetoric at the Capitol, police reform activists have said Assembly Bill 392 will make it easier to criminally charge officers who use guns too recklessly, especially against people of