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ICAC urges permanent inspector general with subpoena power to oversee sheriff’s office
Summary
The Independent Civilian Advisory Commission recommended creation of a full-time inspector general with subpoena power to examine internal investigations, deaths in custody, staffing and professional standards; the board received the informational report and dozens of public commenters endorsed the recommendation.
Kaleema Swahuddin, chair of the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission (ICAC), told the board the commission recommends establishing a permanent inspector general’s office with full subpoena power to provide independent oversight of the sheriff’s office. Swahuddin said subpoena power is the "backbone for their oversight," enabling access to records and testimony and preventing potential obstruction of investigations.
Swahuddin outlined functions the IG would perform: independent investigations of alleged misconduct, review of the Professional Standards Bureau’s complaint-handling and disciplinary timelines, assessment of jail operations and deaths in custody, and proactive trend analysis to identify systemic issues before they become larger problems. Dozens of community organizations and residents spoke in favor of the recommendation, urging the board to staff and fund an IG office that can provide transparency, build public trust, and reduce litigation costs related to misconduct.
The board received the presentation as an informational item; supervisors thanked ICAC for its work and asked staff to consider legal and fiscal safeguards that preserve board oversight while empowering independent inquiry.
