Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach
Sonoma IOLERO
Summary
IOLERO conducts independent reviews of complaints and use-of-force incidents involving the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Measure P (Nov. 2020, voter-approved) expanded its authority to include subpoena power, full records access, and a Community Advisory Council with 11 civilian members. IOLERO's director serves a 3-year term, removable only for cause by a 4-of-5 Board of Supervisors vote. IOLERO's annual budget is set by ordinance at a minimum of 1% of the Sheriff's total annual budget. In April 2024, IOLERO served subpoenas in a whistleblower investigation; the Sheriff and DSA challenged the subpoena authority. The Sonoma County Superior Court denied enforcement (24CV04208). The Court of Appeal, First Appellate District reversed (A171763, filed Mar. 2026), holding IOLERO is a §25303.7 inspector general with statutory subpoena authority that cannot be waived by labor agreement.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 2 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Fixed by statutory formula |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Sonoma County Code Title 2, Article XXVII (§§ 2-392 to 2-397); Measure P (Nov. 2020, voter-approved); Gov. Code § 25303.7
- Citation
- Sonoma County Code § 2-392 et seq. (Ord. No. 6174, 2016; Measure P = Ord. No. 6333, 2020)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office