The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in consultation with the Sheriff, reports directly to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Established in September of 2007, the OIG has oversight of the Sheriff’s Department internal disciplinary process, and broad discretionary powers, including the evaluation of the overall quality of law enforcement, custodial and security services, and the authority to encourage systemic change. The OIG conducts audits of investigative practices and other audits or inquiries deemed appropriate.

Oversight:

• Accept complaints directly from, or assist members of the public as well as Sheriff’s Department employees, in filing complaints of misconduct involving Sheriff’s Department employees.
• Monitor select allegations of employee misconduct, to include all investigations alleging excessive or unnecessary use of force.
• Receive all documents, reports or any other item necessary to audit selected investigations and conduct systemic reviews of the disciplinary system to ensure fairness and equity.
• Interview or re-interview complainants and witnesses as required to ensure that investigations are fair, unbiased, factually accurate and complete.
• Monitor or independently investigate any other matter as requested by the Sheriff, or as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

Reporting:

• Produce an annual report to the Board of Supervisors containing statistical information such as number of complaints filed, sustained, actions taken, with an analysis of trends and patterns.
• Make recommendations for improvements to the complaint process, training needs of sworn and professional staff, systemic organizational changes or other measures the Inspector General deems appropriate.

Community Liaison:

• Provide complainants with timely updates on the status of investigations, excluding disclosure of any information which is confidential or legally protected.
• Serve in a public relations capacity with various community forums, and provide information on pending and completed investigations within the legal and ethical limits of confidentiality.
• Serve as a conduit to community leaders and the public for information about the conduct of administrative investigations, the policies and procedures of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, or the practices of law enforcement in general.
• Upon invitation by the Sheriff, act to mediate or facilitate resolution of disputes between the Sheriff’s Department and community members or groups.