Orange County Board of Supervisors Minute Order September 11, 2012*

The Office of Independent Review provides a valuable risk management service to the county but may be improperly assigned and underutilized. Direct reporting to the Board of Supervisors results in inconsistent expectations, direction, and evaluations. Additionally, there is a perception that the operation is unduly influenced by the Sheriff's Department. This is reinforced by the physical location of the OIR office in the OCSD headquarters. Disagrees partially with finding. Response: The Office of Independent Review ("OIR") appreciates the thoughtfulness and attention that the 2011-12 Grand Jury gave to OIR, its operations, and its place in Orange County government. The Grand Jury's Report accurately identifies some of the challenges OIR has faced since its establishment in 2008. The Board of Supervisors believes, however, that the basic structure of the Office, as documented in County Ordinance 1-2-225, remains sound. The model set forth in the Ordinance is one that provides a desirable combination of access, influence, and flexibility. OIR's attorney-client relationship with the Sheriff's Department, and its mandate to consult with the Department on individual cases as well as systemic reforms, is critical in this regard. It helps provide an unprecedented outside perspective on processes that are otherwise confidential under state law. Additionally, OIR's relationship with the Board of Supervisors helps ensure that the Office is providing transparency and remains responsive to public concerns. More effective communication from the Executive Director of OIR to the Supervisors has lessened some of the frustrations cited by the Grand Jury. For these reasons, the Board of Supervisors believes that OIR's place in the County organizational chart is appropriate. Moreover, it believes that OIR's physical location helps promote the access and regular contact that contribute to its monitoring function. 1 .. Responses to Recommendation R.6