POST notes voluntary surrender in Fresno case; commission upholds ALJ decision in separate disciplinary matter

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training reported two consequential disciplinary developments on March 3: a published S.B. 2 case resulted in a voluntary surrender, and the commission voted after closed session to uphold an ALJ proposed decision in a separate matter.

Staff said respondent Kevin Tockam voluntarily surrendered his POST certification effective March 3, 2026; staff characterized a voluntary surrender as having the same legal effect as a revocation. "The respondent voluntarily surrendered his peace officer certification that was processed this morning, with an effective date of 03/03/2026," Compliance Bureau staff Robert Tripp told commissioners.

Public commenters addressed the surrender during open session. Tasha Williamson, who had earlier urged firm use of POST’s decertification authority, said the facts in the matter were not disputed and called the surrender an appropriate outcome. "When officers commit the most serious acts of violence, accountability cannot be delayed or diluted," Williamson said.

After a closed session on several litigation and disciplinary matters, the commission returned and voted on the proposed decision in the matter of an ALJ (Joshua Paul Anaya case). The motion to uphold the ALJ’s decision carried on a roll call. The commission also voted to designate the adopted discipline in that matter as a presidential decision under Government Code §11425.6; the recorded outcome was 11‑to‑5 in favor of that designation.

Commissioners emphasized the commission's dual role: post‑licensure decisions affect both individual accountability and the integrity of law enforcement standards across the state. Staff reiterated that procedural steps — OAH scheduling, DOJ accusation drafting, defense filings and potential continuances — affect timing and that POST will continue to press for timely hearings while protecting rights of respondents and complainants.