Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board

About the City:

San Francisco is Northern California's commercial, financial, and cultural center. The city is the 17th most populous city in the United States and the 4th most populous in California. San Francisco is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, enriched by diverse communities, cultural attractions and natural beauty etched by the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and hilly terrain.

San Francisco is a city rich with diverse neighborhoods, including the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, the Castro that gave rise to the gay rights movement and the Mission that serves as the cultural hub of the City’s Latinx community. New mixed-use neighborhoods are growing from reclaimed industrial districts, highlighted by Treasure Island, Mission Bay, China Basin, and the Hunters Point Shipyard.

Few cities offer the variety of world-class experiences that are possible in San Francisco. The city boasts vibrant arts and culture, more Michelin starred restaurants than any other destination in the Americas, and professional sports in nearly every league. A temperate climate makes the City’s 220 parks, beaches and waterfront promenades popular destinations for locals and visitors. Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and cable cars ascending the hills make San Francisco instantly recognizable around the world.

About the Department:

The Sheriff’s Department Office of Inspector General and the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board were established by a Charter Amendment passed by the voters of San Francisco in November 2021. Under broad policy direction from the Board, the Inspector General carries out the mandates of the Department under Charter Section 4.137 . These responsibilities include reviewing and investigating complaints against Sheriff’s Office employees and contractors and recommending disciplinary action to the Sheriff when their investigation establishes a violation of law or Sheriff’s Office policy. The Department investigates the death of any individual in custody of the Sheriff’s Office and conducts audits of Sheriff’s Office operations, including services provided to individuals incarcerated in the jails. The Inspector General will provide quarterly reports on the results of investigations and audits to the Board.

About the Board:

The Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board evaluates the work of the Office of Inspector General, conducts community outreach regarding Sheriff’s Office operations and jail conditions, and reports to the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff on the activities of the Board and the Department. The mission of the Board is to provide independent, impartial, and diligent oversight of the Sheriff’s Department (now known as the Sheriff’s Office). The Board is committed to fostering a transparent, accountable, and responsive Sheriff’s Office through the Office of the Inspector General in community engagement and public reporting that includes and values all communities collectively served. The Inspector General is appointed by and reports to the 7-member Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board and the incumbent serves at their pleasure.