The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) staff complaint process. The meeting featured presentations from key officials, including David Chris, Deputy Director of the Office of Internal Affairs, and Amariq Singh, Inspector General.

David Chris opened the session by outlining the revised staff complaint process aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within CDCR. He emphasized the establishment of an independent centralized screening team to review all complaints, which allows for a more unbiased approach to allegations of staff misconduct. Chris noted that since the activation of the updated process on January 1, 2022, the department has processed approximately 650,000 complaints, with a significant increase in the volume of cases referred for investigation.

Chris reported that the Allegation Investigation Unit (AIU) is currently overwhelmed, handling nearly three times the number of cases it is budgeted for, leading to a backlog. To address this, CDCR has enacted new emergency regulations effective January 1, 2025, aimed at streamlining the complaint process and improving employee discipline. These regulations include the discontinuation of the allegation inquiry process and the introduction of a centralized allegation resolution unit to ensure consistency in decision-making across institutions.

Amariq Singh followed with an overview of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) intake process, which operates independently from the CDCR's internal complaint system. Singh highlighted that the OIG received 6,591 complaints in 2024, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. The majority of these complaints originated from the incarcerated population, with the OIG maintaining strict confidentiality for all complainants.

Singh explained that the OIG's role includes assessing complaints, providing technical assistance, and recommending investigations when necessary. He noted that the OIG aims to respond to complaints within one business day, prioritizing those that pose safety or health concerns.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions regarding the low percentage of complaints filed by CDCR employees compared to those from the incarcerated population. Singh acknowledged the discrepancy and reiterated the importance of ensuring that staff feel comfortable reporting misconduct. He mentioned ongoing efforts to promote awareness of the OIG's processes among employees, including informational posters and orientation sessions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both CDCR and OIG officials to continue refining their processes and enhancing collaboration to uphold public trust and ensure accountability within the correctional system. The subcommittee plans to monitor the implementation of the new regulations and their impact on the complaint resolution process moving forward.