DOSW's role in implementing reforms for County Jails
Pursuant to the San Francisco Charter, the HRC is empowered to investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination and ensure the civil rights of all persons within San Francisco, as well as investigate and make recommendations to assist in solving community-wide problems resulting in intergroup tensions and discrimination. S.F. Charter Sec. 4.107; Admin. Code Sec. 12A.5(g).
The COSW and DOSW may recommend policies and practices for the City and County to reduce the particular impacts on women and girls of problems related to sexual harassment. S.F. Charter Sec. 4.119. The COSW and DOSW may also review and make recommendations to the City and County’s law enforcement agencies regarding the treatment of women and girls in the correctional and juvenile justice systems. Admin. Code § 33.4(f).
The Department of Police Accountability (DPA) is empowered by San Francisco Charter Sec. 4.136(d) to “investigate all complaints regarding police use of force, misconduct or allegations that a member of the Police Department has not properly performed a duty.” The Office of the Sheriff’s Inspector General (OSIG) is authorized by Charter Sec. 4.137(e)(1) to “investigate complaints against [San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO)] employees and [SFSO] contractors.” Since 2019, the DPA has performed some of OSIG’s investigative responsibilities, focusing on a narrower scope of complaints alleging serious misconduct by SFSO deputies. This work is authorized through a letter of agreement between the two departments.
On December 1, 2025, SFSO formally requested that DPA conduct an independent investigation into the complaint regarding strip searches at CJ2 on May 22, 2025. The request acknowledged that the subject matter fell outside the scope of the existing agreement between the SFSO and the DPA.
On December 8, 2025, representatives from the SFSO, DPA, the HRC Department and
Commission, the COSW and DOSW, the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board (SDOB), the Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights (SHARP), and the office of Supervisor Chen participated in a joint tour of CJ2.
The attached report includes recommendations from that tour. The Department on the Status of Women and Human Rights Commission remain engaged in multi-agency and community conversations in order to uplift and support the implementation of key reforms to assure dignity and safety for incarcerated individuals.