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Investigations
OLEO monitors, reviews, and issues recommendations on misconduct complaint investigations by the Sheriff's Office, from classification to findings of whether employee conduct violated policy, and determines whether they meet strict standards. OLEO may also conduct its own investigations, including into individual misconduct, use of force, or systems and practices.
About OLEO investigations
Both the public and Sheriff's Office employees can file a complaint. We welcome them from anyone, regardless of age and immigration status.
What can I file a complaint about?
Examples can include (but are not limited to) allegations of:
- Harassment
- Use of unnecessary or excessive force
- Use of language or conduct that is insulting, demeaning, or humiliating
- Discriminatory treatment
- Ethics violations, conflicts of interest, and appearance of conflicts of interest
- Inappropriate use of authority
What can I not file a complaint about?
- Criminal investigations
- Workplace discrimination
- Retaliation
- The actions of other law enforcement agencies
The Sheriff's Office prohibits retaliation against anyone with complaints or concerns.
The complaint process
Investigations usually last up to 180 days. They could take longer when a complaint also involves alleged criminal conduct.
Complaint received
OLEO receives a complaint from the public or Sheriff's Office employees. For complaints filed with OLEO, we send them to the Sheriff’s Office Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) for review. A local commanding officer may also investigate.
Intake, classification, and OLEO input
IIU determines how to handle a complaint and whether it warrants an investigation.
Investigation and OLEO monitoring
Investigators may ask for your statement, either in-person or by phone. They may ask to record your statement, but only with your permission. OLEO monitors IIU investigations and may observe and take part in interviews.
Your statement might include the following:
- A description of what happened
- The names or descriptions of employees involved
- The names of potential witnesses
In some cases, IIU could ask you to allow photographs of injuries or property damages. They could also ask for your consent to release medical records associated with your complaint.
OLEO certification review
Once IIU makes a finding, OLEO will review the investigative steps. We'll determine if the investigation was thorough and impartial.
Findings and OLEO recommendations
When the investigation is complete, you'll receive a letter from the Sheriff’s Office notifying you of the outcome. You'll also get a letter from OLEO informing you whether we certified the investigation as thorough and impartial.
OLEO can request further investigative work if it's material to the outcome. We can also refer a complaint to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. ADR referrals are for complaints that can be resolved without a formal disciplinary process.
Discipline and appeal
A complaining party who isn't satisfied with the findings can contact OLEO. They can ask about the criteria used to determine the investigation. You can address inquiries about the investigation and its outcome to the Sheriff's Office.