Members of the county Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board late Tuesday agreed to summarily dismiss 22 cases reviewing the deaths of jail inmates and people facing arrest, on the grounds that the investigations are more than a year old.

The decision came as the review board wrestled with a growing backlog that by October had climbed to 59 outstanding cases.

The meeting attracted 15 to 20 people in the audience, a large crowd for a citizens’ panel. Eight people addressed the board, urging the panel to put off a decision Tuesday night and work to complete the investigations, even if it took years longer.

The citizens panel retreated to a closed session, excluding the public. Alex Bell, a county spokeswoman, reported after the closed meeting that the dismissals were approved, as recommended by county staff. She declined to say how any board members voted or what the tally was.


County officials said that under a state law the volunteer panel loses jurisdiction over death investigations if a review is not completed within 12 months. The cases dismissed Tuesday all were previously investigated by the Sheriff’s Department or other agencies.

Relatives of some of the deceased told The San Diego Union-Tribune earlier this week they disagreed with the decision to close the cases without completing the panel’s review.

Police oversight groups said completing the independent investigations is important because the findings can help improve police responses and practices, even in cases in which no officer misconduct is found.


The 12-month time limit invoked by the county is contained in the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights. Officials have yet to explain why the Government Code section is being enforced now when all 22 cases exceeded the 12-month allowance months or years ago.


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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald