Cleveland installs new public-safety inspector general; office staffed as a single-person unit pending hires

The Public Safety Committee on Jan. 27 received an introductory briefing from Shailene Agarwal, the newly appointed Public Safety Inspector General, who started Dec. 16 and outlined the office’s role, authorities and near-term staffing plan.

Inspector General Shailene Agarwal described the office as an independent, objective oversight function analogous to an auditor’s office, tasked with using professional standards for inspectors general to conduct reviews, audits and investigations related to public safety operations. Agarwal cited prior work in multiple U.S. jurisdictions and said the office will follow recognized standards and seek to collaborate with city departments and community stakeholders.

The inspector general currently operates as a single-person office; the administration said the budget will request an auditor position and additional staff to support the office’s work during the coming budget cycle. Committee members welcomed the new inspector general and asked for more frequent engagement, noting the oversight role had been vacant for more than two years.

Ending: The committee expressed support and said it expects to see the inspector general at upcoming budget hearings and regular briefings; the inspector general said she would return with more details on staffing and planned work.