Petition for Riverside County Sheriff Accountability. Act Now!!

Sheriff Accountability is critical to community safety. Sheriff's accountability must become a reality so that no other people die unnecessarily. Riverside County Jails lead the country in the number of in-custody deaths. We believe many of these deaths are preventable.

We call for immediate action to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice within the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The ongoing issues surrounding sheriff-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, and the significant financial liability resulting from the lack of oversight have eroded public trust and demand urgent reforms.

To restore and maintain confidence in the Sheriff's Department and its operations, we demand the following:

Independent Community Oversight:

Establish an independent civilian oversight body with the authority to review policies, investigate complaints, and provide recommendations to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in law enforcement practices. Ensure the oversight body has access to critical data and reports, and its findings are available to the public.

Appointment of an Independent Inspector General:

Create an independent Inspector General's Office with the power to conduct thorough investigations into misconduct, use of force incidents, and systemic issues within the Sheriff's Department.
The Inspector General should have the power to subpoena, unrestricted access to departmental records, and the ability to recommend policy changes and disciplinary actions based on findings.
Ensure regular public reporting and transparency to hold the department accountable and rebuild trust with the community.

Separation of the Coroner's Office from the Sheriff's Department:

Transfer the responsibilities of the Coroner's Office to an independent medical examiner's office to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure impartiality in death investigations.
Establish clear guidelines and transparency measures to uphold the integrity of investigations into in-custody deaths and other critical incidents.

Accountability for Misconduct and Liability:

Implement stronger accountability measures for sheriff-involved shootings and in-custody deaths to prevent unnecessary loss of life and financial burdens on taxpayers due to lawsuits and settlements. Require comprehensive data reporting and public disclosure of incidents involving excessive use of force and misconduct allegations.

The people of Riverside County deserve a sheriff's department that serves with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The current lack of independent oversight and the concentration of power within the Sheriff's Office have created an environment of mistrust, fear, and injustice. The time for change is now.

We urge our elected County Board of Supervisors to implement these critical reforms immediately to ensure public safety and justice for all riverside County residents.

Sign this petition to demand Riverside County Sheriff accountability, independent oversight, an Inspector General, and the separation of the Coroner's Office from the Sheriff's Department.

To learn more visit:    https://bit.ly/Sheriff_Accountability_Coalition