To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Steve Madrone
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Consider the Establishment of an Independent Civilian-Led Oversight System for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Officeend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider directing staff to return to the Board with an ordinance which establishes an independent civilian-led oversight system for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office; and
2. Provide other direction, as appropriate.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors' Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors has been asked to investigate the creation of an independent civilian-led oversight system for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office to improve transparency, accountability and public trust. The proposed oversight system would create a Sheriff's Policy and Practice Board and an Inspector General, which will operate independently, but report to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
The Sheriff's Policy and Practice Board would be made up of seven (7) to nine (9) community members appointed by the Board of Supervisors as an independent civilian oversight body. Their main responsibilities would include, without limitation: reviewing misconduct complaints and major incidents, including, but not limited to, officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths, inspecting jails and evaluating conditions, reviewing the budget and spending of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, recommending policy, training and procedural changes, holding public meetings and publishing annual reports.
The Inspector General would be an independent official appointed by the Board of Supervisor...
Click here for full text