Professional Standards Bureau
The Professional Standards Bureau is an internal administrative investigations unit staffed with personnel who report directly to the Administrative Services Division Captain.
The Professional Standards Bureau is responsible for investigating complaints that are received from members of the public concerning the performance, demeanor, and behavior of police personnel. The unit also conducts internal investigations concerning violations of department policy and criminal law that are reported by police personnel, and maintains confidential personnel files of our employees. The Professional Standards Bureau investigates risk management issues, conducts internal audits concerning appropriate use of force standards, police pursuits, and other department policies and functions. The unit works in cooperation with the city’s attorney and reviews matters of civil liability for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the County of Sonoma.
We at the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office recognize that the normal operation of any law enforcement agency may generate complaints of personnel misconduct. We also recognize that the public’s trust in our organization is vital to our success. It is our assurance that each and every complaint of personnel misconduct receives the full attention and review of our management staff. All complaints are swiftly and thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures are taken to ensure the professional conduct of our personnel. The Professional Standards Unit is a fact finding entity, and its purpose is three-fold:
Protection of the Public - The public has the right to receive fair, efficient, and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by department personnel must first be detected and then thoroughly investigated. Finally, all detected misconduct must be properly adjudicated to assure the maintenance of these qualities.
Protection of the Department - The department is often evaluated and judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is imperative that the entire organization not be criticized because of the misconduct of a few. An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees.
Protection of the Employee - Employees must be protected against false or misinformed allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a consistent thorough investigative process.
