Internal Affairs Unit sees caseload relief with new hires and sheriff collaboration

The San Francisco City Council convened on July 11, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and its ongoing investigations into sheriff's office misconduct. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the OIG, particularly in managing an increasing caseload and the limitations of their investigative authority.

The OIG reported that it has limited power to investigate misconduct that is not directly complained about by individuals, contrasting with the sheriff's office inspector general, which operates without such limitations. The OIG is currently bound by a new agreement with the sheriff's office, which mandates their involvement in all in-custody deaths. However, the OIG lacks subpoena power and relies on cooperation from the sheriff's office to access necessary evidence for investigations.

In reviewing the second quarter statistics, the OIG noted a record number of new cases opened, which has strained their investigative resources. For the first time, investigations have begun to exceed 270 days, prompting the OIG to return some cases to the sheriff's internal affairs unit to manage the backlog. The internal affairs unit has recently added staff, which has improved the OIG's ability to gather evidence and support investigations.

The meeting also addressed the demographics of complaints received, with the majority coming from County Jail Number 3, which houses the largest inmate population. The data indicated that most complainants are male, with a significant number choosing not to disclose their race or ethnicity. The OIG is working to enhance data collection methods to provide more comprehensive demographic insights.

Additionally, the jail population statistics were presented, revealing a consistent average of 1,244 inmates over the past six months. The demographic breakdown showed that 40% of the jail population is Black or African American, while 27% is Hispanic or Latino. The council acknowledged the need for improved services for the female inmate population, which remains disproportionately small compared to male inmates.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the OIG's ongoing efforts to address misconduct within the sheriff's office while navigating resource constraints and the complexities of investigative authority. The council plans to continue monitoring these developments and will provide updates on the OIG's progress in managing its caseload and enhancing its investigative capabilities.