SAN DIEGO, CA (December 5, 2024) – In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and accountability, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe announced her proposal to expand the investigatory jurisdiction of the San Diego County Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB). This initiative aims to strengthen oversight by granting CLERB greater authority to investigate cases involving in-custody deaths.  

The proposed changes seek to address growing calls for accountability after the California State Auditor revealed San Diego County had the highest rate of in-custody deaths in the State of California. Under the current framework, CLERB has limited authority to investigate persons other than sworn peace officers, leading to gaps in CLERB's intended functions. The proposed expansion would empower the board to enhance accountability, transparency, and community trust in law enforcement practices.  

Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who is championing the proposal, stated: "It is no longer business as usual while our citizens oversight board lacks the tools to effectively and efficiently investigate cases of jail deaths. My primary goal is to address the concerns of transparency while prioritizing the accountability that has been historically absent in our current systems. By expanding CLERB's investigatory powers, we are ensuring our residents have a stronger voice that remains central to reimagining public safety."  

Key components of the proposed expansion include:  

Members of CLERB have also expressed optimism for the proposal. Brett Kalina, Executive Officer of CLERB, stated, “On behalf of the CLERB staff, we have been awaiting this proposed new ordinance which enables CLERB to review and report on the health care provided in San Diego County’s detention facilities for in-custody deaths.  The community we serve along with the Board Members have worked at length to get these official procedures in place.  With these new authorities, we will continue independent, thorough, and impartial investigations to enhance protections of all San Diegans while working with the Sheriff and Probation Chief to make our detention facilities the safest possible.  CLERB staff is also enthusiastic about the tools and resources that will be provided to CLERB to make the new cases successful.”

MaryAnne Pintar, Chair of CLERB, expressed, “The top priority for every member of our board is to work with the Sheriff to curb deaths in County detention facilities. These deaths have involved people who are detained but not yet convicted, are suffering from severe mental illness, or are ill and require healthcare support. I thank Supervisor Montgomery Steppe for her attention to the changes CLERB seeks to improve our ability to help the County fix this and look forward to presenting this proposal to the full CLERB board later this month for its review and approval.”

The proposal will be presented at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on December 10, 2024.