UPDATE: San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez is actively opposing a proposal from the County Board of Supervisors to establish an Office of Inspector General (OIG), which aims to enhance investigations and audits within the sheriff’s office. During a news briefing on February 7, 2025, Martinez urged officials to scrap the proposal, advocating instead for “collaborative” solutions that leverage the department’s existing accountability measures.
Martinez’s comments come as the Board has approved a feasibility study to explore the establishment of the OIG, marking a significant step towards increased oversight. The sheriff argues that the sheriff’s office is already subject to over 20 local, state, and federal oversight bodies, making it one of the most regulated law enforcement agencies in California. “An additional governing layer doesn’t equal more accountability, but equals more bureaucracy,” she stated.
In her remarks, Martinez emphasized that the sheriff’s office is rigorously monitored by various entities, including the Board of State and Community Corrections, the California Department of Justice, and the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board. She expressed concern that introducing another oversight body would not only duplicate existing reviews but also drain essential resources away from critical safety and operational improvements.
“The Sheriff’s Office is already one of the most scrutinized and audited public agencies in this state,” Martinez asserted. She believes that the focus should remain on enhancing community safety rather than increasing bureaucratic layers that offer no real value.
The sheriff’s office, while not consulted before the Board’s decision, voiced appreciation for the opportunity to address the proposal. Martinez stressed the importance of involving her office in future discussions to ensure that the complexities of their operations are fully understood. “Every audit, inspection, and review informs how we improve. That’s how real change happens,” she noted, reinforcing her commitment to transparency and modernization.
Recent improvements in jail infrastructure and medical care have been made with the county’s support, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaboration. Martinez concluded with a call for unity: “Our mission is to keep San Diego County safe while strengthening trust with the communities we serve — and that requires support, not political posturing.”
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the Board’s next steps regarding the OIG proposal and the sheriff’s office’s ongoing initiatives to enhance accountability and service delivery. Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue.
