Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam announced today that he has reinstated the Major Case Review Board to review all vehicle accidents/incidents, pursuits, use of force, and other major cases involving Sheriff’s Office personnel.
“We have been working to re-establish the Major Case Review Board at the Sheriff’s Office throughout the past year,” Sheriff Balaam said. “We always want to examine what we are doing and how we can do things better. Reinstating this board will help the Sheriff’s Office ensure we have the forum to reassess and evaluate major interactions Deputy Sheriffs have with the general public on a regular basis.”
The Major Case Review Board will meet quarterly to review any and all incidents which may have occurred in each division – Administration, Operations and Detention. The Board will assess agency consistency with respect to compliance with Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, ensure training trends are identified, determine whether any equipment or logistical needs are necessary, as well as ensure that, when appropriate, consistent corrective action is taking place.
The Major Case Review Board will consist of a Chief Deputy, a minimum of two division captains, subject matter experts; and the Board may call upon the involved staff member, that staff member’s association representative, and any other witnesses deemed appropriate. Appearance and participation in the Major Case Review Board will be mandatory; however, the Board will not handle discipline. Disciplinary review matters will continue to be handled by the Office of Professional Integrity (commonly called Internal Affairs). Additionally, division captains will determine whether a particular incident is directed to the Major Case Review Board or directed to the Office of Professional Integrity (commonly called Internal Affairs).
To access Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Policy 1021 click here.
