Internal Affairs Division

The Sheriff's Department Internal Affairs unit's primary responsibility is the investigation and tracking of both citizen and internal complaints against members of the department. The goal of the unit is to ensure that all matters are handled in a comprehensive and objective manner. It is vital that citizens are confident in the thoroughness and integrity of the investigations completed. Department members should also feel certain they can work productively without the fear of unfounded or exaggerated complaints against them. All internal investigations flow through the unit and are reviewed to ensure that they meet the high standards required by the Office of the Sheriff. The unit is directly responsible for the investigation of sexual harassment claims and DFEH/EEOC complaints.

Internal Affairs' investigators respond to calls for assistance on personnel matters from other stations and divisions, and are available 24 hours a day. A lieutenant and four sergeants conduct investigations, process administrative paperwork, and act as the department's representative in various boards and commission hearings. A secretary and two clerks provide the necessary clerical support.

The unit also acts as the Custodian of Records for the department's personnel files. Staff members are regularly required to appear in court in response to criminal and civil subpoenas for personnel records (Pitchess Motions).

The Internal Affairs unit also oversees a mentor-training program, which is designed to assist commanders with investigations that are handled at the station or division level. The unit also prepares and conducts training for department supervisory personnel in the area of administrative investigations, the discipline process, and assertive supervision.

Internal Affairs permanently maintains the personnel files for all employees who have separated their employment with the department. Due to the crowding caused by all of these documents, the unit, in conjunction with the Technical Services Division, developed a document imaging protocol to scan the thousands of archived documents into a computer-based memory system. An outside imaging company was hired to scan the employee files. Hundreds of thousands of documents have been scanned, downloaded, and are available for easy reference. The scanning of ex-employees' personnel files has created much needed space in the file room.

Additionally, a re-construction project has been approved that will increase the office space for the Unit. When completed, the office will extend west and provide another office, a conference room, and additional space for the file room.

James Williams
Lieutenant

Filing a
Citizen Complaint

655 East Third Street
San Bernardino,
California 92415

Telephone:
(909) 387-3726