Sacramento County Establishes Sheriff Community Review Commission for Enhanced Oversight

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors convened on April 15, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including transportation improvements and updates from the Community Review Commission (CRC).

The meeting began with a discussion on the safety of light rail services, emphasizing the importance of public perception in encouraging ridership. Following this, the board moved to item number 7, which involved adopting a resolution to authorize the Director of the Department of Transportation to execute an improvement implementation agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation for the Sky King Road extension and Phelan Drive project. Supervisor Kennedy expressed gratitude to Mr. Defonte for his efforts in managing the complexities of the Metro Airpark development, which has seen significant activity despite challenges with property owners. The resolution passed unanimously.

Next on the agenda was item number 17, which included an annual update from the CRC and a proposal to amend the commission's name and membership terms. Deputy County Executive Eric Jones introduced the CRC's Chair, Paul Curtis, who provided a detailed presentation on the commission's activities since its establishment. The CRC was created to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and to facilitate community interaction with the Inspector General.

Curtis highlighted the commission's role in overseeing sheriff operations, including participation in the selection processes for the Inspector General and involvement in statewide coalitions advocating for sheriff oversight. He noted the commission's efforts to address issues such as racial profiling during vehicle stops and mental health treatment in custody, emphasizing the importance of civilian oversight in law enforcement.

The commission proposed changing its name to the Sheriff Community Review Commission to clarify its purpose and relationship with the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, they recommended staggered membership terms to ensure continuity and ease of recruitment for commission members. The proposal included removing term limits to retain experienced members, a point that sparked discussion among supervisors regarding the balance between expertise and fresh perspectives.

The board was informed that a resolution to approve these changes was included in the meeting packet, allowing for immediate implementation upon approval. The supervisors expressed their support for the proposed changes, recognizing the commission's professionalism and the importance of its work in fostering community trust in law enforcement.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing public safety and accountability through improved transportation infrastructure and effective oversight of the Sheriff's Office. The CRC's ongoing efforts to engage with the community and address critical issues will continue to be a focal point in future meetings, with the next session scheduled for February 18, 2025.