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Police Oversight Commission receives and files 2024 complaint data; public commenter asks to reopen internal affairs case
Summary
The commission received and filed an audit-style presentation of complaint numbers covering 2024–2026 YTD and voted to receive and file the data; a public commenter asked that an internal affairs inquiry be reopened because he said IA had withheld material.
The Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission on May 14, 2026 received and filed a staff presentation summarizing complaints from 2024 through 2026 year-to-date and approved a motion to file the report.
Police Oversight Director Jack Morse told the commission that in 2024 there were 45 complaints filed (16 fell within the commission's authority, 27 did not, and 2 pertained to agencies other than the Santa Ana Police Department). He reported 36 complaints in 2025 (9 within the commission's authority, 15 outside, 11 regarding other agencies, and one unclear case) and 26 complaints so far in 2026 (7 within the commission's authority, 15 outside, 4 involving other agencies). "Year to date, that's a total of 107 complaints," Morse said, and he emphasized that the 2024 data predated his tenure and the current oversight process.
During public comment, Manuel Arreguin said he was asking Deputy Chief Roland Andrade to reopen an administrative inquiry opened in December 2023 and alleged Commander Jorge Lopez and Sergeant Kim had not followed procedures or provided complete records. "Policy and procedure was not followed on my complaint, so I want to reopen that," Arreguin said.
Commissioners thanked staff for compiling the data and urged better public access to complaint information. One commissioner suggested posting year-by-year complaint breakdowns on the commission portal or the My Santa Ana app so residents can find the numbers more easily. The Chief of Police said the department posts monthly complaint totals online and said staff could explore a finer breakdown distinguishing complaints received by the department from those submitted to the Police Oversight Commission.
A motion to receive and file the 2024 complaint data presentation was made, seconded, and the recording secretary conducted a roll-call vote; the motion carried (five ayes, no nays) with Commissioners Mejia and Vice Chair Castillo Lawton absent. Director Morse credited a commission analyst (TJ) for compiling the 2024 figures.
The item was filed; commissioners discussed whether closed-session outcomes should be summarized in future reports but reserved detailed case questions for closed session. The commission adjourned at 7:30 p.m.; its next meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026 at 5 p.m. in Council chambers.
