On October 18, 2021, the Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) recommended to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department that CLERB staff respond to death scenes related to in-custody and deputy-involved shooting cases where death occurs, or is likely.
After a thorough review and in consideration of maintaining the integrity of criminal investigations that may arise from these incidents, Acting Sheriff Kelly Martinez has approved a process where trained CLERB staff will respond to these death scenes.
Acting Sheriff Martinez believes fostering public trust means the Sheriff’s Department must have investigations that are clearly understood, using a credible process and independent investigators. She says, “it is crucial that we have transparency in our work.”
CLERB Executive Officer Paul Parker believes CLERB’s presence at the initial death scene will increase the public’s trust in the investigatory process. He says, “CLERB will now conduct truly independent death investigations, which will result in more accurate findings and, if applicable, more relevant policy and procedure recommendations.”
The CLERB and the Sheriff’s Department’s mutual goals can be met with the new protocol and process which will include calling CLERB staff to respond along with our investigators at the time of the incident. This will allow CLERB to get the information sooner and allow them better oversight, independence and transparency in their investigations.
Today, CLERB Executive Officer Paul Parker and Acting Sheriff Kelly Martinez signed a memorandum of understanding that solidifies this agreement. This policy takes effect immediately. We appreciate the mission of the CLERB and look forward to continuing to support our mutual goal of instilling trust between the Sheriff’s Department and the communities we serve.
