New Compliance Rules: Employer Obligations for Workplace Arrests in California

💡What are an employer's obligations if their employee is detained or arrested in the workplace? Now there is guidance by the California DIR.

By March 30, 2026, California employers must give employees the opportunity to name an emergency contact, and indicate whether that person should be notified if the employee is arrested or detained at work. Employees can update this information at any time.

📱If an employee is arrested or detained in the workplace, employers will be obligated to reach out to his or her emergency contact (if that’s what the employee wanted). 

If an arrest or detention happens outside of the workplace, but during work hours or while the employee is doing work, the employer is only obligated to reach out if they actually know about the situation.

Action Item: By March 30, 2026, allow employees to designate an emergency contact and indicate whether they should be notified in the event of their arrest or detention.

📜California employers must post the "Know Your Rights Poster" in a conspicuous place where it will be seen by employees in the work place (i.e. break room, company bulletin board, etc.).

DISCLAIMER: This post does not constitute legal advice, or make any guarantees as to a potential outcome. Consult with a qualified, licensed immigration attorney about the facts of your case before proceeding.