Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Riverside supervisors decline to form ad hoc civilian oversight committee for sheriff after heated public comment
Summary
After hours of public testimony both for and against civilian oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, a motion to create an ad hoc committee died for lack of a second. Supporters urged accountability after numerous in-custody deaths; the sheriff and allied speakers warned of politicization and existing oversight.
A motion to form an ad hoc civilian oversight committee to study and recommend oversight structures for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department failed on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on a voice check when no supervisor seconded the proposal following several hours of public comment and board discussion.
Proponents said the county needs independent review after what they described as a string of in-custody deaths and other incidents. "Oversight is a system of checks and balances that result in better law enforcement," said Deborah Wong during public comment. "I support the call for an ad hoc committee." Emma Lee, addressing the board as a community member, told supervisors: "We deserve and we demand real accountability and oversight, and you, the board of supervisors, can make this happen." Natalia Sacco, identified as the regional policy advocate with CHERLA, said immigrant communities fear disproportionate policing and called item 3.82 a step toward restoring trust.
Supporters cited local in-custody death figures and long-standing community distrust. Chris Castoreno, speaking from Banning, said "Since 2019, 68 people have died in…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
