About

The San Diego County Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) investigates citizen complaints against San Diego County Sheriff and San Diego County Probation, as well as any incident of death or serious bodily injury connected to the actions of either department. CLERB also recommends new policies or policy changes to the departments to improve policing practices, prevent harm and support equity. 

Background

San Diego County voters established CLERB in 1990 to independently and impartially investigate citizen complaints against San Diego County Sheriff's deputies and probation officers. The Review Board is composed of eleven volunteers from the County's five Supervisory Districts. Members are not affiliated with the Sheriff's Department, Probation Department, or the County of San Diego. Review Board members are nominated by the County's Chief Administrative Officer and appointed by the Board of Supervisors. CLERB is supported by a full-time staff of nine County employees. 

Functions

The County's Charter Section 606 charges the Review Board with receiving, reviewing, and investigating complaints about the conduct of peace officers performing their duties while employed by the Sheriff's Department or the Probation Department. The Review Board also investigates deaths that arise out of, or in connection with, the actions of these peace officers, regardless of whether a complaint is filed. The Review Board makes advisory findings on complaints and recommendations for policy and procedure changes to the Sheriff, Chief Probation Officer, and the Board of Supervisors. The focus of the Review Board is fact-finding, not advocacy for complainants or peace officers. The Review Board also publishes meeting agendas, minutes, summary and statistical reports and provides "early warning reports" to the Sheriff and Chief Probation Officer.

References

Contact

  • Phone: 619-238-6776
  • Fax: 619-894-8310
  • clerb@sdcounty.ca.gov 
  • 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 251, San Diego, CA 92101