Does the hearing officer in an administrative appeal of the dismissal of a correctional officer employed by a county sheriff’s department have the authority to grant a motion under Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531?  CSAC’s amicus briefs argues that the answer is no, but rather such motions must be heard by a judge.  The brief was drafted by Crystal Sullivan in the Tulare County Counsel’s Office.