Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries, January – March 2026

Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight From January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, the OIG’s The OIG’s Overall Assessment of 21 Investigations for January Through Force Investigation Review March 2026 Team completed its review of Number of Rating 21 California Department of Investigations Corrections and Rehabilitation Adequate 1 (CDCR or the department) Improvement Needed 2 closed use-of-force investigation cases. The OIG evaluated Inadequate 18 the department’s overall Totals 21 performance in the 21 closed Source: Analysis prepared by staff of the Office of the use-of-force investigations as Inspector General. illustrated in the table at right. For each monitored investigation, the OIG evaluated the performance of the Office of Internal Affairs’ investigators to determine whether they conducted thorough and timely investigations. The OIG also evaluated whether hiring authorities made reasonable decisions about those completed investigations. The OIG assessed the Office of Internal Affairs and hiring authorities within the department as follows: The OIG’s Assessment of CDCR’s Performance of 21 Investigations for January Through March 2026 Performance Rating Office of Hiring Internal Affairs Authority Adequate 7 3 Improvement Needed 7 2 Inadequate 7 16 Totals 21 21 Source: Analysis prepared by staff of the Office of the Inspector General. Below we present summaries of the 21 closed use-of-force investigations the OIG reviewed during this reporting period. Page 1 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Improvement Needed 2026-0001 Incident Summary On October 11, 2023, two officers allegedly deployed pepper spray on an incarcerated person who was under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids and required medical assistance. Three additional officers allegedly threw and dragged the incarcerated person on the ground. One of the three officers allegedly placed her knees on the incarcerated person’s lower back, while another officer allegedly placed a spit hood over his head. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The OIG identified deficiencies in the department’s performance. The investigator identified five officers as subjects of the investigation. The investigator did not identify one additional officer who used physical force during the incident. Although the investigator reviewed evidence related to the additional officer, which she documented in the investigative report, she did not include her as a subject of the investigation. The hiring authority did not add as a subject of the investigation the additional officer who documented her involvement in holding the incarcerated person down and applying pressure to his lower back with her knee. The hiring authority did not make findings on the allegation against an additional officer who was not added as a subject of the investigation, but the deficiency did not have a negative outcome for the case. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The investigator identified five officers as subjects of the investigation. The investigator did not identify an additional officer who used physical force during the incident. The officer held the incarcerated person down on the ground with her hands, then placed a knee on the incarcerated person’s lower back and applied her body weight. Although the investigator reviewed evidence related to the additional officer, which she documented in the investigative report, she did not include her as a subject of the investigation. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority did not identify and add as a subject of the investigation an additional officer who used physical force during the incident. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Page 2 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0002 Incident Summary On July 11, 2024, a sergeant and an officer allegedly slammed an incarcerated person into a wall and onto the floor when the incarcerated person stood from a chair abruptly and turned his body to leave a restricted housing unit committee meeting. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. The OIG did not concur with the hiring authority’s finding because the investigation was insufficient. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify and include in the investigative report the incarcerated person’s allegation the sergeant and the officer who were subjects of the investigation lied in their reports when they reported the incarcerated person attacked them. The investigator did not include departmental policy relevant to use of force in the investigative report. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. In addition, the hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 30, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until May 16, 2025, 228 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify and include in the investigative report the incarcerated person’s allegation that staff lied in their reports when they reported he attacked them. The investigator did not include departmental policy relevant to use of force in the investigative report. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Furthermore, the hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 30, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until May 16, 2025, 228 days thereafter. Page 3 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0003 Incident Summary On March 25, 2024, an officer allegedly walked toward an incarcerated person who was secured in a holding cell and threatened to spit on the officer. The officer allegedly deployed pepper spray on the incarcerated person after he spit on the officer. A lieutenant allegedly failed to identify and report the officer’s use of force. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. The OIG did not concur with the hiring authority’s determination because the investigation was insufficient. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not ask the lieutenant and the officer who were the subjects of the investigation questions about the officer’s decision to use force instead of backing away from the incarcerated person who was spitting on the officer from inside a secured holding cell. Furthermore, the investigator did not include in the investigative report departmental policy relevant to immediate use of force. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. In addition, the hiring authority received the completed investigation from the Office of Internal Affairs on November 20, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until February 14, 2025, 86 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was inadequate. The investigator did not ask the lieutenant and the officer who were the subjects of the investigation questions about the officer’s decision to use force instead of backing away from the incarcerated person who was spitting on the officer from inside a secured holding cell. The investigator did not include in the investigative report departmental policy relevant to immediate use of force. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Furthermore, the hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on November 20, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until February 14, 2025, 86 days thereafter. Page 4 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Improvement Needed 2026-0004 Incident Summary On February 3, 2024, two sergeants allegedly forced an incarcerated person into handcuffs instead of placing him in waist restraints based on the incarcerated person’s limited mobility. One of the sergeants allegedly extended his expandable baton to intimidate the incarcerated person who was already in handcuffs. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Although the hiring authority did not sustain the allegations against the sergeants, he issued training to the two sergeants on de-escalation techniques. Overall Assessment The OIG identified deficiencies in the department’s performance. The investigator did not identify that the two sergeants who were subjects of the investigation failed to use de-escalation techniques during the incident. The investigator did not include departmental policy relevant to use of force in the investigative report. Although the hiring authority did not sustain the allegations against the sergeants, he issued training to the two sergeants on de-escalation techniques. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified deficiencies in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The investigator did not identify that the two sergeants who were subjects of the investigation failed to use de-escalation techniques during the incident. The investigator did not include departmental policy relevant to use of force in the investigative report. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was adequate. Page 5 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0005 Incident Summary On April 7, 2024, three officers allegedly slammed an incarcerated person against the wall and forced him back into his cell while he experienced chest pain. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify that the Office of Internal Affairs opened a duplicative case regarding this matter and completed a second investigation, resulting in wasted resources. The hiring authority received allegations of potential staff misconduct on April 7, 2024, but delayed referring the allegations to the Office of Internal Affairs until May 5, 2024, 28 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify that the Office of Internal Affairs opened a duplicative case regarding this matter and completed a second investigation, resulting in wasted resources. Hiring Authority Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the department’s performance. The hiring authority received allegations of potential staff misconduct on April 7, 2024, but delayed referring the allegations to the Office of Internal Affairs until May 5, 2024, 28 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0006 Incident Summary On March 18, 2024, an officer allegedly grabbed an incarcerated person around the neck and prevented him from breathing. A second officer allegedly struck the incarcerated person multiple times in the face with his fist. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. The OIG did not concur with the hiring authority’s determination because the investigation was insufficient. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Page 6 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify the incarcerated person’s allegation that a third officer struck him in the arm with an expandable baton after he stopped resisting. The investigator did not add the third officer as a subject of the investigation. The investigator did not identify and include as subjects of the investigation or interview additional officers the incarcerated person alleged denied him medical treatment after the incident. The investigator did not interview the only other officer who witnessed the events immediately preceding the use of force to determine why the officer used force. The investigator did not locate and interview an incarcerated person who allegedly witnessed and recorded the incident with a contraband mobile phone. The investigator did not document in the investigative report any attempt to request or secure the mobile phone video evidence. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs investigator’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not identify the incarcerated person’s allegation that a third officer struck him in the arm with an expandable baton after he stopped resisting. The investigator did not identify and include as subjects of the investigation or interview additional officers the incarcerated person alleged denied him medical treatment after the incident. The investigator did not interview the only other officer who witnessed the events immediately preceding the use of force to determine why the officer used force. The investigator did not locate and interview an incarcerated person who allegedly witnessed and recorded the incident with a contraband mobile phone. The investigator did not document in the investigative report any attempt to request or secure the mobile phone video evidence. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority found the investigation to be sufficient even though the investigator did not thoroughly conduct the investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Page 7 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0007 Incident Summary On March 19, 2024, an officer allegedly “jerked” an incarcerated person forward while conducting a clothed body search. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on August 23, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until November 27, 2024, 96 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on August 23, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until November 27, 2024, 96 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0008 Incident Summary On January 23, 2024, two officers allegedly pushed and pulled a handcuffed incarcerated person by his arms and tripped him as they escorted him. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on May 29, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until July 24, 2024, 56 days thereafter. Moreover, the investigator refused to provide an Page 8 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight interpreter for an incarcerated person who witnessed the incident and abruptly ended the interview without providing the interpreter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. During an interview, the investigator refused to provide an interpreter for an incarcerated person who witnessed the incident and abruptly ended the interview without providing the interpreter. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on May 29, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until July 24, 2024, 56 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Adequate 2026-0009 Incident Summary On November 2, 2023, two officers allegedly approached an incarcerated person and called him a derogatory term. The two officers allegedly grabbed the incarcerated person by the arms and escorted him to his cell. Three additional officers allegedly arrived at the cell and shoved the incarcerated person inside the cell. Furthermore, a sergeant allegedly forced the incarcerated person to go to the recreational yard, despite him previously reporting to the sergeant that he had enemy concerns with another incarcerated person who was also on the yard. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was adequate. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The Office of Internal Affairs received the complaint on January 11, 2024, but failed to assign an investigator to the case until February 28, 2024, 48 days thereafter. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was adequate. Page 9 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0010 Incident Summary On March 6, 2024, a lieutenant and an officer allegedly pushed a handcuffed incarcerated person to the floor and slammed his face into a chair. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the completed investigation from the Office of Internal Affairs on June 26, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary finding conference until November 27, 2024, 154 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the completed investigation from the Office of Internal Affairs on June 26, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary finding conference until November 2, 2024, 154 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0011 Incident Summary On April 27, 2024, an officer allegedly shoved a handcuffed incarcerated person into a cell. A second officer allegedly pulled on the handcuff retention device attached to the handcuffs causing the incarcerated person to strike his back on the cell door and trap his hands in the food port. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Page 10 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 13, 2024, but the investigator did not complete and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until November 20, 2024, 192 days after being assigned. Subsequently, the hiring authority delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until February 10, 2025, 82 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 13, 2024, but the investigator did not complete and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until November 20, 2024, 192 days after being assigned. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on November 20, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until February 10, 2025, 82 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0012 Incident Summary On August 1, 2023, two officers allegedly pulled an incarcerated person to the ground who was both handcuffed and in leg restraints, causing him to fracture his left hand and bruise his left elbow. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the completed investigation from the Office of Internal Affairs on December 21, 2023, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary finding conference until February 21, 2024, 62 days thereafter. Page 11 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the completed investigation from the Office of Internal Affairs on December 21, 2023, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary finding conference until February 21, 2024, 62 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0013 Incident Summary On March 26, 2024, a sergeant allegedly deployed pepper spray and a chemical-agent-emitting grenade at an incarcerated person who refused to exit his cell to be transferred to another prison. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on August 26, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until November 14, 2024, 80 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on August 26, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until November 14, 2024, 80 days thereafter. Page 12 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0014 Incident Summary Between May 10, 2024, and August 5, 2024, two officers allegedly ran into and fell on top of an incarcerated person, causing brain damage. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 30, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until January 22, 2025, 114 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 30, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until January 22, 2025, 114 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0015 Incident Summary On May 5, 2024, two officers allegedly abruptly pulled an incarcerated person by his handcuffs, causing his arm to go numb. A third officer allegedly deployed pepper spray at the incarcerated person when he did not pose a threat. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations against the first and second officers and sustained the allegation that the third officer and served him with a letter of reprimand. After a Skelly hearing, the hiring authority withdrew the letter of reprimand and issued the officer a letter of instruction, because the officer was remorseful and lacked experience at the time of the incident. Page 13 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report on September 16, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until March 7, 2025, 172 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report on September 16, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until March 7, 2025, 172 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0016 Incident Summary On May 27, 2024, a sergeant and seven officers allegedly entered an incarcerated person’s cell and forcibly placed the incarcerated person on the floor and removed his handcuffs. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 31, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until December 30, 2024, 213 days after the Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case for investigation. Subsequently, the hiring authority delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until April 3, 2025, 94 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified a deficiency in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 31, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until December 30, 2024, 213 days after the Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case for investigation. Page 14 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on December 30, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until April 3, 2025, 94 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0017 Incident Summary On August 6, 2024, a sergeant and an officer allegedly grabbed an incarcerated person by the right arm and slammed him to the ground. The sergeant, the first officer, and three additional officers allegedly forced the incarcerated person onto a gurney and tied the incarcerated person down with a cloth sheet. One of the officers allegedly placed her body on the incarcerated person and the sergeant allegedly pushed on the incarcerated person’s jaw and neck area, restricting his ability to breathe while he was still on the gurney. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The Office of Internal Affairs manager assigned the investigation to an investigator who held the rank of sergeant, despite departmental policy requiring the investigator to hold a rank higher than all subjects of the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs manager did not document in the departmental database a justification for not assigning the investigation to an investigator at a rank of lieutenant or higher. The investigator drafted formal allegations in the investigative report that did not include the detailed, factual, and specific information regarding the alleged misconduct by four officers and one sergeant who were subjects of the investigation, and the hiring authority determined findings on the insufficient allegations. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on August 19, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until May 16, 2025, 270 days after the Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case for investigation. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was inadequate. The Office of Internal Affairs manager assigned the investigation to an investigator who held the rank of sergeant, despite departmental policy requiring the investigator to hold a rank higher than all subjects of the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs manager did not document Page 15 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight in the departmental database a justification for not assigning the investigation to an investigator at a rank of lieutenant or higher. The investigator drafted allegations in the investigative report that did not include the detailed, factual, and specific information regarding the alleged misconduct by four officers and one sergeant who were subjects of the investigation, contrary to department training and best practices. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on August 19, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until May 16, 2025, 270 days after the Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case for investigation. Hiring Authority Assessment The OIG identified deficiencies in the hiring authority’s performance. The hiring authority determined findings on allegations that did not include the detailed, factual, and specific information regarding the alleged misconduct by the four officers and a sergeant who were subjects of the investigation. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0018 Incident Summary On July 3, 2024, an officer allegedly struck an incarcerated person on the lower back with a baton twice after the incarcerated person had complied with orders to stop fighting with another incarcerated person. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on July 25, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority on July 9, 2025, 349 days after being assigned, and three days prior to the deadline for taking disciplinary action. The hiring authority completed the investigative and disciplinary findings conference on July 14, 2025, two days after the deadline to impose disciplinary action, if warranted, had expired. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was inadequate. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on July 25, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation Page 16 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority on July 9, 2025, 349 days after being assigned and three days prior to the deadline to impose disciplinary action. The investigator did not document in the investigative report the reason for the delay in completing the investigation. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report on July 9, 2025, and completed the investigative and disciplinary findings conference on July 14, 2025, two days after the deadline for taking disciplinary action, if warranted, had expired. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0019 Incident Summary On March 30, 2024, four officers allegedly placed their knees on an incarcerated person’s back while he was handcuffed and face down on the floor. A sergeant allegedly punched the incarcerated person on his head while the officers held him down. Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The department received the complaint on April 23, 2024. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 6, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until April 24, 2025, 353 days after being assigned and one day after the deadline for the hiring authority to impose disciplinary action against the sergeant and four officers, if warranted. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs investigator’s performance was inadequate. The department received the complaint on April 23, 2024. The investigator delayed completing the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs assigned the case to an investigator on May 6, 2024, but the investigator did not complete the investigation and submit an investigative report to the hiring authority until April 24, 2025, 353 days after being assigned and one day after the deadline for the hiring authority to impose disciplinary action against the sergeant and four officers, if warranted. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was adequate. Page 17 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0020 Incident Summary On October 6, 2024, a captain, lieutenant, and sergeant allegedly authorized the use of chemical agents to remove an incarcerated person from his cell, and the sergeant allegedly deployed pepper spray into the incarcerated person’s cell, even after he informed them of his asthma diagnosis and showed them his rescue inhaler. Following the use of force, an officer allegedly covered the incarcerated person’s head with a blanket, causing him further difficulty breathing. Disposition The hiring authority determined that the conduct did occur. However, the investigation revealed the actions were justified, lawful, and proper. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on November 22, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until May 15, 2025, 174 days thereafter. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The Office of Internal Affairs’ performance was adequate. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on November 22, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until May 15, 2025, 174 days thereafter. OIG Case Number Rating Assessment Inadequate 2026-0021 Incident Summary On June 20, 2024, an officer allegedly forced an incarcerated person to the ground because the officer believed the incarcerated person failed to ingest his medication and instead possessed it as contraband. Page 18 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Force Investigation Review Team Case Summaries Independent Published in July 2026 Prison Oversight Disposition The hiring authority found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation. The OIG did not concur with the hiring authority’s finding because the investigation was insufficient. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Overall Assessment The department’s performance was inadequate. The investigator did not gather and review all documentary evidence related to the incident and did not identify and include in the investigative report all relevant policies and procedures which provided the basis for the incarcerated person’s misconduct allegation. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 27, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until April 9 2025, 194 days thereafter. The hiring authority reviewed the investigation and deemed it sufficient even though the investigator did not conduct a thorough investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Office of Internal Affairs Investigator Assessment The OIG identified deficiencies in the Office of Internal Affairs’ performance. The investigator did not gather and review all documentary evidence related to the incident and did not identify and include in the investigative report all relevant policies and procedures which provided the basis for the incarcerated person’s misconduct allegation. Hiring Authority Assessment The hiring authority’s performance was inadequate. The hiring authority received the investigative report from the Office of Internal Affairs on September 27, 2024, but delayed conducting the investigative and disciplinary findings conference until April 9, 2025, 194 days thereafter. The hiring authority deemed the investigation sufficient even though the investigator did not conduct a thorough investigation. Instead of making a finding, the hiring authority should have returned the case to the Office of Internal Affairs for further investigation. Page 19 of 19 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov