Inspector General - Office of the Inspector General

The Inspector General will have the unique opportunity to establish and lead the new Office of Inspector General. They will stand up all aspects of the new Department, including establishing a physical office, hiring and training staff, developing and administering the Department’s budget, and establishing procedures and policies for the conduct of investigations and audits. The IG will set the office’s operational philosophy and develop investigation and audit procedures to assure a thorough, objective, and impartial approach.

Community outreach and engagement will be essential to building trust in the new Office of Inspector General. The Inspector General will partner with the Board to develop collaborative relationships and conduct outreach to the many diverse communities within the City of San Francisco. The Inspector General will also establish effective working relationships with the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Ethics Commission, and other agencies involved in their oversight duties.

The Inspector General will use Sheriff's Office data to identify patterns in conduct, complaints, and critical incidents. They will have the authority to review operations and make data-driven recommendations to the Sheriff and Board regarding policy changes and disciplinary actions. The Inspector General will exercise discretion in reviewing internal operations and maintain complete confidentiality of information unless disclosure is authorized within City guidelines or required by law. Office of Inspector General staff will have unrestricted and unescorted access to Sheriff facilities, including jails, unless prohibited by state or federal law.

In performing its duties, the Office of Inspector General may hold hearings, issue subpoenas to witnesses to appear and for the production of evidence, administer oaths, and take testimony. The Office of Inspector General also may request, and the Sheriff shall require, the testimony or attendance of any employee of the Sheriff’s Office. The Inspector General will collaborate with organizations that contract with the Sheriff’s Office to provide legal services to incarcerated individuals.