Office of Ethics and Compliance

Report a Concern about a County Program, County Department, or County Employee

The Office of Ethics and Compliance investigates allegations of improper county government activity and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

In addition to the investigation of complaints alleging improper County government activity and discrimination, the Office of Ethics and Compliance oversees the implementation of the County policy on Code of Ethics. 

If you are considering filing a complaint and have questions or would like additional information, please contact us directly at (619) 531-5174. Forms and instructions for filing complaints concerning Improper County Government Activity and Internal Discrimination may be downloaded from this website or mailed upon request by calling our office.

Discrimination Complaint Form

Policy 0010-11: Internal Complaint Process

Title VI 
Non-Discrimination Statement (English)
Non-Discrimination Statement (Spanish)
Non-Discrimination Statement (Tagalog)
Non-Discrimination Statement (Vietnamese)
Non-Discrimination Statement (Arabic)
Your Rights Under Title VI
Discrimination Complaint Form
USDA Nutrition Program Complaints

County ADA Title II Coordinator: (619) 531-4908
 ADA Notice 0010-09A
ADA Complaint Form 0010-09B

Improper County Government Activity Complaint Form

In the interest of reliability and credibility, formal complaints must be signed under penalty of perjury before they are accepted and reviewed for investigation. In cases where the Office of Ethics and Compliance does not have jurisdiction, it will refer such complaints to other appropriate State and federal investigative agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does the Office of Ethics and Compliance investigate allegations of County law enforcement misconduct?

    No, allegations of law enforcement misconduct by County representatives (i.e. Sheriff's deputies, probation officers, etc.) are investigated by the Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board, (619) 238-6776.

     
  2. Does the Office of Ethics and Compliance investigate complaints of misconduct in other law enforcement agencies?

    No, to file a complaint with another law enforcement agency (i.e. San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, etc.), please contact that agency’s Office of Internal Affairs.

  3. Does the Office of Ethics and Compliance investigate allegations of welfare fraud?

    No, welfare fraud complaints should be filed with the Public Assistance Fraud Hotline at (800) 421-2252.

  4. Does the Office of Ethics and Compliance investigate complaints involving accessibility for the disabled?

    Yes, complaints specifically involving accessibility to County government facilities, services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities should be filed with the County of San Diego's Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Coordinator, (619) 531-4908.  Concerns with accessibility to private and public entities other that the County of San Diego government should be addressed with the relevant entity.

  5. Does the Office of Ethics and Compliance investigate discrimination complaints regarding private companies or organizations other than the County of San Diego?

    No, to file a complaint about a company or organization other than the County, please contact the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) 1-800-884-1684 (voice), 1-800-700-2320 (TTY) or California's Relay Service at 711 or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1-800-669-4000, 1-800-669-6820 (TTY), ASL Video Phone: 844-234-5122.

Mission Statement

The Office of Ethics and Compliance is dedicated to assisting in fulfilling the County’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics and compliance.

The Office of Ethics and Compliance is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity among County staff by:

  • Serving as a County resource in addressing ethical and compliance matters.
  • Implementing the County’s Code of Ethics and developing policies, programs, and trainings that promote ethics and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Receiving and reviewing complaints alleging  unlawful discrimination, fraud, waste and abuse or other allegations of improper County government activity.

Contact Information

County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room #400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 531-5174
E-Mail: OEC@sdcounty.ca.gov