Chapter 14 - Citzens Board / PIU

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - 14A

• Original Date & Effective Date: September 29, 2023
• Chapter Number: Fourteen, Appendix A
• Subject: Citizens Advisory Action Board
• Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
• Supersedes: New Appendix
• Approved by: Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff
• Reevaluation Date: September 29, 2024
• Pages: 9
• Policy (14A.01): Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is responsible for its employees' behavior and accountable for citizen complaints. Maintaining a positive relationship with the community through transparency is essential.
• Purpose (14A.02): Establishing a process for handling administrative investigations of sworn personnel misconduct, presenting them to the Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB) for review and recommendations.
• Definitions (14A.03):
  • Administrative Investigation: Non-criminal investigation by Internal Affairs that may lead to disciplinary action or termination.
  • Administrative Review: Internal Affairs review to determine if an administrative or criminal investigation is needed.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): A contract between an employer and employee union covering wages, hours, discipline, and employment conditions.
  • Minor Misconduct: Minor deviations from BCSO policies, procedures, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB) (14A.04-14A.13):
  • Purpose (14A.05): Assuring fair, impartial, and objective review of complaints against sworn personnel, transparent law enforcement, and building community trust.
  • Recommendations: Independent recommendations for discipline or training; considered by the Sheriff.
  • Authority (14A.06): CAAB is authorized to review significant administrative investigations. Reviews are advisory to the Sheriff, who has final decision-making authority. CAAB cannot conduct investigations independently. They review complaints, investigations, and provide recommendations. The CAAB has no power to approve or disapprove processes, procedures, or rules developed for the CAAB.
  • Composition (14A.07): 10 appointees, 2 each by County Commissioners, and 2 by County Judge, appointed by the Commissioners Court. Criteria for appointments include no involvement in prior civil actions against the Sheriff's Office.
  • Training (14A.08): Members receive 24 hours training including orientation, ride-along, and continuing education provided by Internal Affairs.
  • Meetings & Location (14A.09): Regular meetings in Bexar County Human Resources or an approved county facility. A quorum of 6 CAAB members is required. A liaison with the Internal Affairs Commander facilitates investigation access. Notifications of meetings, agendas, and schedules are provided to all relevant parties.
  • Sheriff's Administrative Report to the CAAB (14A.11): The Sheriff provides a quarterly report to the CAAB on formal complaints, including date, location, nature of the allegations, and disposition. The Sheriff's designated investigator provides detail, findings, conclusions, and recommended actions. Reports are available to the CAAB, complainant, and respondent deputy.
  • CAAB's duties (14A.10): Developing rules and processes for investigations brought before the board in a fair and open manner. Rules are in line with the CBA. Acceptance of inputs from those involved in the investigation. Limit on public input to factual details and not general commentary, opinions, or similar aspects.
  • Community Forum (14A.13): Annual community forums to discuss and address BCSO policies, procedures, and community trust.
  • Confidential Information (14A.12): Access to confidential information for investigation needs only. Protection of privacy and confidential information. Members cannot copy or remove confidential documents. Information reviewed during proceedings must comply with applicable privacy laws, state and federal laws. Confidential investigative documents cannot be released to the public until the investigation is completely closed and final.