Lizzie Buchen Appointed to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board

March 2, 2022

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed Elizabeth “Lizzie” Buchen to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board. She fills the Senate’s position for a person with experience working on police accountability with community-based organizations.

“Lizzie Buchen will bring her years of experience working to reduce incarceration and improve police accountability to the advisory board,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “Last year, Senator Bradford and I authored Senate Bill 2 to ensure that the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training can consider new voices as it assesses cases of potential peace officer misconduct. Lizzie’s expertise in working with communities on these issues will serve the Commission well as the new board performs this important oversight.”

“I commend Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins on the decision to appoint Lizzie Buchen to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board. Ms. Buchen worked extensively with my office, legislative leadership, community organizations and law enforcement to help pass Senate Bill 2 and make California home to one of the strongest and fairest police decertification systems in the country. Her advocacy, dedication, and impartiality to this important issue is evident to all who work with her,” said Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena). “I have full confidence that Ms. Buchen will bring these qualities to her role on the advisory board, and that Californians will benefit from a strong and effective decertification process with her appointment.”

Ms. Buchen currently provides consulting services through Buchen Consulting. Prior to opening her firm, she served as Director of Criminal Justice for ACLU Northern California. She also served as Statewide Advocacy and Communications Coordinator for Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB) and as a Policy Analyst for the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice. She has worked extensively with incarcerated people at San Quentin State Prison, teaching journalism and college biology.

Lizzie Buchen lives in Oakland and the term ends on January 1, 2025. Compensation is $350 per diem for each day of official duties, as well as reimbursement for travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins