Title
a. Introduce, waive reading, and set September 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance adding Chapter 2.93 to the Monterey County Code to create an Office of the Inspector General (OIG); and
b. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to sign an agreement with OIR Group, LLC to serve as the contracted Office of the Inspector General for the period of September 1, 2026 through September 1, 2027, in the amount of $150,000; and
c. Authorize County Counsel or their designee to execute any confidentiality agreements that may be needed to effectuate the work of the Office of the Inspector General; and
d. Provide direction to staff as necessary.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Introduce, waive reading, and set September 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance adding Chapter 2.93 to the Monterey County Code to create an Office of the Inspector General (OIG); and
b. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to sign an agreement with OIR Group, LLC to serve as the contracted Office of the Inspector General for the period of September 1, 2026 through September 1, 2027, in the amount of $150,000; and
c. Authorize County Counsel or their designee to execute any confidentiality agreements that may be needed to effectuate the work of the Office of the Inspector General; and
d. Provide direction to staff as necessary.
SUMMARY:
On July 7, 2026, this Board directed staff to establish the Office of the Inspector General pursuant to California Government Code section 25303.7. Chapter 2.93 to the Monterey County Code would create an Office of the Inspector General. The purpose of the Office of the Inspector General is to monitor, inspect, and report to the Board of Supervisors on specified aspects of the operations of the County of Monterey Sheriff’s Office, as set forth in the ordinance. The Office of the Inspector General’s contract would be administratively supervised by the County Administrative Officer.
County Counsel and the County Administrative Office (CAO) are also requesting this Board approve a contract with the OIR Group, LLC to serve as the OIG. The OIR Group has experienced personnel in police practices and oversight and is currently being utilized in counties and municipalities across the State. Additionally, County Counsel and CAO are requesting authority to enter into confidentiality agreements as needed to effectuate the work of the OIG. Such agreements may be related to medical records, personnel records, or other related documents.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code section 25303 requires the Board of Supervisors to supervise the conduct of all county officers, including the Office of the Sheriff. California Government Code section 25303.7 authorizes the county to establish an Office of the Inspector General, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, to assist the Board of Supervisors with its duties required pursuant to Government Code section 25303. The OIG is proposed to be established to further the County’s goals of providing transparency and accountability in government services and enhancing public safety. It also shows commitment to continuous improvement of policing practices and custody conditions.
Finally, it is proposed that some of the initial work by the OIG would be to meet with stakeholders and advise on how best to establish a Citizens Advisory Group that functions well and has the best opportunity for success.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Administrative Office has collaborated in these efforts and concurs with the recommendations.
FINANCING:
Financing for the initial one-year contract will be taken from the County’s contingency fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Establishment of an OIG will assist the Board of Supervisors in their duties under California Government Code section 25303, which requires the Board of Supervisors to supervise the conduct of all county officers, including the Office of the Sheriff.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X_ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared and Approved by: Susan K. Blitch, County Counsel, x5045
Attachments: Draft Ordinance
Agreement with OIR Group, LLC