At this month’s DGR membership meeting, our primary focus was one of the most urgent civil rights issues facing Riverside County: Sheriff accountability.
We were honored to welcome former Assemblymember and current Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina, who led a powerful discussion on the growing demand for civilian oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Medina highlighted the importance of transparency, especially in light of the department’s alarming track record:
Over 40 in-custody deaths in the last three years.
Nearly $100 million in lawsuit payouts for misconduct—paid by taxpayers, not the sheriff’s budget.
Ongoing investigations into excessive force, wrongful detentions, and civil rights violations.
A statewide civil rights investigation launched by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The Riverside Sheriff Accountability Coalition (RSAC)—which includes ACLU SoCal, IE United, and the League of Women Voters Riverside—is calling on the Board of Supervisors to take action by:
Creating a civilian oversight panel with subpoena power
Establishing an Independent Inspector General
Separating the Coroner’s Office from the Sheriff’s Department
These reforms aren’t just about accountability—they’re about building trust, integrity, and justice in our community.
If you believe Riverside County deserves real oversight, add your voice to the growing coalition.
📣 Sign the petition
Thank you again to Supervisor Jose Medina for his leadership—and to all our members for showing up and speaking out.