Filing Misconduct Complaints Against Government Officials

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office Internal Affairs unit is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct or improper job performance by department members to ensure accountability, integrity, and compliance with policies and laws. They handle, review, and investigate complaints, with forms available at the Sheriff's headquarters for public submission.

Key functions of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office Internal Affairs include:

• Investigating Misconduct: Probing allegations of improper conduct, including both citizen complaints and internal reports.
• Handling Complaints: Accepting and processing complaints regarding employee conduct, with forms available at the Sheriff's Office headquarters and online.
• Ensuring Policy Compliance: Reviewing actions to ensure they meet the standards set forth in the Sheriff's Policy Manual, as well as federal, state, and local laws.
• Maintaining Integrity: Acting as a mechanism for self-governance to ensure objectivity and fairness within the department.

Internal Affairs investigations specifically handle personnel complaints, while separate procedures exist for criminal investigations. 

To File a complaint against a member of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office: https://sheriff.calaverasgov.us/Operations/Administration/Internal-Affairs

Complaints can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office headquarters, located at 1045 Jeff Tuttle Drive, San Andreas, CA 95249.  

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Barbara Yook, acts as the primary legal authority for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the People of the State of California, focusing on public safety and victim rights in San Andreas. 

Key responsibilities include reviewing police reports, filing charges, conducting trials, and supporting crime victims. 

Functions of the District Attorney’s Office

• Criminal Prosecution: The Criminal Division evaluates, investigates, and prosecutes felony and misdemeanor offenses, including handling bail hearings, arraignments, jury trials, and sentencing.
• Victim Services: This program supports victims and their families by offering crisis intervention, counseling referrals, court escort/orientation, and assistance with California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) claims.
• Law Enforcement Coordination: The office advises local law enforcement agencies regarding investigations and provides training.
• Specialized Programs: The DA's office manages specialized programs such as the Bad Check Restitution Program to hold individuals accountable for fraud.
• Community Safety & Rights: The DA's office is responsible for protecting the constitutional rights of victims and ensuring a fair legal process. 

The Calaveras DA's office serves as the legal representative for the county in matters of criminal justice, distinct from the County Counsel's office, which handles civil matters.

Contact the Calaveras County District Attorney at this link: https://districtattorney.calaverasgov.us

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

Complaints against the City of Angels Camp, CA, can be filed primarily through their online Code Compliance Portal for issues like safety, nuisances, or code violations. 

Police misconduct complaints should be filed directly with the Angels Camp Police Department, while ADA-related complaints are handled by the City Administrator. 

• General Code/Safety Violations: Use the online Community Development Portal to report code violations.
• Weed Abatement/Fire Hazards: Submit reports via the Citizen Engagement Portal.
• Police Misconduct: Fill out a "Citizen Complaint" form at the Police Department (200 Monte Verda Street) or request one from an officer.
• ADA/Disability Complaints: Contact the City Administrator, Pam Caronongan, regarding discrimination on the basis of disability.
• Parking Citations: Request an "Initial Review" form from Calaveras Parking Enforcement via mail, phone, or in person.
• Appealing Decisions: Written appeals regarding City Council decisions must be filed within 10 days with the City Clerk or Community Development Department. 

File a complaint against the City of Angels Camp: online Code Compliance Portal. 

For more serious, non-localized issues, complaints can be filed with the California Attorney General's Office. (See above). 

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The California Attorney General (AG) acts as the state’s chief law officer and head of the Department of Justice, overseeing law enforcement, legal services, and public safety initiatives. The office enforces state laws, protects consumers and the environment, handles civil and criminal litigation, and provides legal counsel to state agencies. 

• Criminal Justice & Safety: Supervises district attorneys and sheriffs, investigates public corruption, combatting drug trafficking, and manages forensic services. The AG's office has authority to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by federal agents in California.
• Civil Rights & Consumer Protection: Enforces laws against discrimination (including housing and LGBTQ+ rights), consumer fraud, antitrust violations, and illegal business practices.
• Environmental Protection: Defends state environmental laws and represents state agencies in environmental and public health matters.
• Legal Counsel: Represents the State of California, its agencies, and state officers in civil and criminal matters in state and federal courts.
• Information Services: Maintains databases for criminal records, statistics on crime, hate crimes, and homicide, providing these to the public. 

What the Office Does Not Do:
The Attorney General cannot provide legal advice or representation to private individuals in personal disputes, nor can they assist in complaints against state agencies. 

The Office includes over 5,600 employees across California, organized into divisions such as the Public Rights Division, which focuses on consumer, environmental, and civil rights issues.

Key Details:

• Scope: The Attorney General handles complaints regarding fraudulent business practices, charities, and matters of public interest.
• Limitations: The office does not act as a private attorney, provide legal advice, or handle individual, private legal disputes.
• Alternative Actions: For specific industry complaints, consider contacting the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) or filing a complaint with local law enforcement.
• Responses: The office reviews submissions and will contact you if more information is needed.

How to file a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office:

File a complaint with the California Attorney General's office for consumer fraud, deceptive business practices, or public interest issues by using the online form, or downloading/mailing a complaint form to the Public Inquiry Unit in Sacramento. The office cannot represent individuals in private legal matters. 

• Online: Complete the consumer complaint form on the Attorney General website.
• Mail: Download the PDF form and mail it to:
  Office of the Attorney General
  Public Inquiry Unit
  P.O. Box 944255
  Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.
• Information Required: Include your contact details, the business's name/address, a description of the issue, dates of transactions, and the dollar amount involved. 

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

Do you believe your rights have been violated by local law enforcment? 

The California Attorney General’s Local Law Enforcement Agency Complaints unit reviews complaints against local police or sheriff departments for potential investigation, specifically when allegations involve serious misconduct and all local remedies have been exhausted. The office investigates excessive force, civil rights violations, and patterns of unlawful conduct, although it cannot investigate every complaint due to limited resources. 

Key functions and processes:

• Initial Requirement: Complaints must first be filed with the local law enforcement agency involved, as mandated by Penal Code section 832.5.
• Scope of Review: The Attorney General's Office (OAG) reviews complaints involving substantive allegations of unlawful conduct or serious misconduct.
• Civil Rights: The Civil Rights Enforcement Section investigates police practices, including excessive force and bias.
• Actions Taken: While all complaints are reviewed, the OAG does not confirm investigations or provide status updates to complainants, sometimes referring matters to other agencies.
• Limitations: The OAG does not provide legal advice or representation to individuals.

Complaints can be filed through the Attorney General's online system if local remedies are exhausted.

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with protecting residents from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs, as well as addressing hate violence and human trafficking. Formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), it enforces state civil rights laws, investigates complaints, and provides mediation services. 

• Employment Discrimination: Enforces laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
• Housing Discrimination: Protects against discrimination in renting, selling, mortgage lending, and zoning.
• Public Accommodations: Ensures businesses provide equal access and do not discriminate.
• Hate Crimes & Violence: Investigates and supports victims of hate incidents and crimes.
• Civil Rights Enforcement: Handles cases involving human trafficking, police misconduct, and violations of reproductive or voting rights.
• Mediation & Education: Provides free dispute resolution services and educational resources for the public and employers. 

The California Civil Rights Department is the largest state civil rights agency in the U.S. and houses the Civil Rights Council, which issues regulations to enforce fair practices.

Cpontact the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) at this link: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

Do you believe the judge in your court case has violated your rights or acted inappropriately? 

The California Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) is an independent state agency that investigates complaints of misconduct or incapacity against California state court judges, including Supreme Court justices, appellate, and superior court judges. 

It enforces ethical standards, and can discipline judges through advisory letters, public/private admonishments, censure, or removal from office. 

Key responsibilities and functions include:

• Investigating Misconduct: Reviews complaints involving violations of the Code of Judicial Ethics, such as bias, improper demeanor, conflicts of interest, and neglect of duty.
• Disciplining Judges: Imposes sanctions ranging from private discipline to removal or forced retirement. It also has authority over former judges regarding conduct during their tenure.
• Oversight Limitations: The CJP does not handle legal errors or overturn court decisions (which are handled by appellate courts), nor does it have authority over federal judges, temporary judges (judges pro tem), or private judges.
• Composition: The nine-member commission includes judges appointed by the Supreme Court, attorneys appointed by the State Bar, and public members appointed by the Governor and legislature.
• Confidentiality: Investigations are initially conducted on a confidential basis, with public discipline or hearings occurring in more serious cases. 

The commission was established to protect public confidence in the judicial system.

• Employment Discrimination: Enforces laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
• Housing Discrimination: Protects against discrimination in renting, selling, mortgage lending, and zoning.
• Public Accommodations: Ensures businesses provide equal access and do not discriminate.
• Hate Crimes & Violence: Investigates and supports victims of hate incidents and crimes.
• Civil Rights Enforcement: Handles cases involving human trafficking, police misconduct, and violations of reproductive or voting rights.
• Mediation & Education: Provides free dispute resolution services and educational resources for the public and employers. 

The California Civil Rights Department is the largest state civil rights agency in the U.S. and houses the Civil Rights Council, which issues regulations to enforce fair practices.

Contact the California Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) at this link: https://cjp.ca.gov

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is an independent, non-partisan agency that regulates campaign financing, lobbying, and conflicts of interest for state and local government. 

It promotes transparency and ethics by enforcing the Political Reform Act, educating officials on compliance, and prosecuting violations to ensure fair, unbiased decision-making. 

Key responsibilities of the FPPC office include:

• Enforcing Ethics Laws: Investigating and prosecuting violations of the Political Reform Act regarding campaign finance, lobbyist registration, and conflict of interest rules.
• Ensuring Transparency: Managing the disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures, as well as tracking gifts and honoraria given to public officials.
• Providing Advice and Training: Offering workshops, webinars, and advice letters to public officials and candidates to help them comply with regulations.
• Adopting Regulations: Creating and updating regulations to implement the Political Reform Act.
• Managing Statements of Economic Interests: Overseeing the filing of Form 700 to prevent financial conflicts of interest. 

The commission consists of five members, with the main goal of maintaining public trust in the political process.

To file an FPPC complaint against an elected official for campaign finance, ethics,  conflict of interests and violations of the Political Reform Act, click here: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/enforcement/file-a-complaint

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The California Secretary of State is a constitutional officer, elected every four years, who serves as the state's chief elections official and manager of business filings. 

Key responsibilities include overseeing federal/state elections, maintaining the voter database, registering businesses, appointing notaries public, managing campaign finance disclosures, and preserving historical archives. 

Core Responsibilities of the California Secretary of State:

• Elections Management: Oversees all state and federal elections, certifies candidates, tracks ballot initiatives, tests voting equipment, and maintains the statewide voter database.
• Business Filings: Registers corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and general partnerships.
• Notary Public Services: Appoints and commissions notaries public, approves their education, and investigates violations of notary law.
• Political Transparency: Manages the Political Reform Division, which requires disclosures of lobbying and campaign contributions (CAL-ACCESS).
• State Archives: Maintains the California State Archives and protects key state documents, such as the California Constitution and the Great Seal.
• Apostilles: Issues apostilles to authenticate California public officials' signatures for use in foreign countries.

The current Secretary of State, as of 2021, is Dr. Shirley N. Weber.

Contact the California Secretary of State at this link: https://www.sos.ca.gov 

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

The California State Controller serves as the state’s chief fiscal officer, acting as the accountant and auditor for the world's fifth-largest economy. The California State Controller is an elected official holding a four-year term.

The Controller manages the state's financial resources, issues payments for state government and employee payroll, audits government agencies, and administers the unclaimed property program. 

Key responsibilities of the California State Controller include:

• Financial Control & Disbursement: Acts as the state's accountant, controlling and tracking the disbursement of state funds and issuing warrants (checks).
• Auditing State/Local Agencies: Independently audits state agencies, school districts, and local governments to ensure accountability.
• Payroll & Payments: Administers the Uniform State Payroll System for state and California State University employees.
• Unclaimed Property: Safeguards forgotten or lost financial property—such as bank accounts, stocks, and checks—until it is claimed by the rightful owner.
• Board & Commission Membership: Serves on over 70 boards and commissions, including the Franchise Tax Board and the Board of Equalization.
• Financial Reporting: Produces annual reports on the state's financial condition to the Legislature. 

The California State Controller’s Office (SCO) investigates financial fraud, waste, and abuse involving state and federal funds, including auditing local government agencies, school districts, and state departments. 

The California State Controller’s Office investigates misuse of state resources, improper payments, grant mismanagement, and consumer fraud related to unclaimed property scams. 

Key investigative areas include:

• Audit and Compliance Investigations: The Controller acts as an independent auditor to detect the misuse of state/federal funds, such as ineligible expenditures or poor oversight in local government and school district programs.
• Internal Fraud: The office investigates suspected criminal activity within its own ranks, such as grand theft of state funds.
• Unclaimed Property Fraud: The SCO investigates fraudulent solicitations where third parties falsely represent themselves to claim property on behalf of citizens.
• Improper Governmental Activity: The office works with the California State Auditor to investigate allegations against state agencies or employees, including time/attendance abuse and waste.

The California State Controller’s Office does not typically investigate criminal matters outside of fiscal and state-related corruption.

To file a complaint with the California State Controller’s Office (SCO), use the general inquiry email form for questions or comments, or mail: 

California State Controller’s Office, 

PO Box 942850, 

Sacramento, CA 94250. 

For reporting government waste or fraud, contact the California State Auditor. 

For language access complaints, specific forms are available. 

Key Procedures for Complaints & Inquiries:

• General Complaints: Submit via the SCO online inquiry form.
• Whistleblower/Improper Activity: Submit reports to the California State Auditor via StateAuditor@doj.ca.gov StateAuditor@doj.ca.gov or mail (P.O. Box 1019, Sacramento, CA 95812).
• Unclaimed Property Claims: File claims directly on the SCO website. For questions about existing claims, you can contact the Unclaimed Property Division directly.
• Language Access: Use the SCO language access complaint forms.
• Data Exchange Portal (DEP): Used for submitting authorized, secured, and official data or reports, rather than informal complaints. 

Contact the California State Controller's Office at this link: https://www.sco.ca.gov/index.html 

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

Do you believe your First Amendment Rights - your Right to Free Speech - have been violated? 

The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes free speech, free press, and open government through advocacy, education, and litigation. 

Founded in 1988, it works to ensure government transparency and accountability by helping citizens and journalists access public records and meetings, fighting censorship, and defending First Amendment rights. 

Key activities and services provided by the First Amendment Coalition include:

• Legal Advocacy & Support: The FAC offers a free legal hotline, provides legal consultations, and engages in "test case" litigation to defend journalists, activists, and citizens.
• Education: The coalition conducts training and workshops to educate the public, journalists, and public officials on freedom of expression and transparency laws.
• Legislative Oversight: The organization monitors and advocates regarding legislation in California and nationally that impacts free speech and access to government information.
• Defending Information Access: It actively combats excessive government secrecy and works to enforce laws that mandate public meetings and records. 

Things to know - The First Amendment Coalition could be your primary resource in gaining important information about assembling your writtent case for any of the agencies cited herein: 

• First Amendment Coalition provides guidance and education, not guaranteed legal representation.
• Some complaints have strict deadlines.
• For serious or complex situations, you may need to consult an independent attorney.
• Being calm, organized, and factual greatly improves your chances of being taken seriously.

The organization serves as a key resource for understanding and protecting the rights to free speech, press, assembly, and petition. 

First Amendment Coalition Website
https://firstamendmentcoalition.org

First Amendment Coalition Email
FAC@firstamendmentcoalition.org

First Amendment Coalition Explainers and Guides
https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/resources/explainers

Mailing Address: 

First Amendment Coalition
534 Fourth Street, Suite B
San Rafael, CA 94901

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?

Do you believe you have been deceived by an attorney? 

The State Bar of California is an administrative arm of the California Supreme Court that protects the public by licensing, regulating, and disciplining nearly 270,000 attorneys. It manages the bar exam and admissions, investigates complaints of attorney misconduct, funds legal aid, and enforces professional conduct rules. 

Key functions of the State Bar include:

• Licensing and Admissions: Manages the California Bar Exam, conducts moral character investigations, and recommends applicants for admission to the California Supreme Court.
• Attorney Regulation and Discipline: Investigates complaints against attorneys, prosecutes misconduct cases, and has the power to recommend suspension or disbarment to the Supreme Court.
• Public Protection: Provides resources for the public, including managing the Client Security Fund, which helps clients who lost money due to attorney theft or dishonesty.
• Access to Justice: Distributes over $100$100 million annually in grants to legal aid organizations to help low-income Californians.
• Ethical Standards: Formulates and enforces the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.

The State Bar does not provide legal advice or attorney referrals.

Contaxt the State Bar of California at this link: https://www.calbar.ca.gov

How do I file a complaint against government or an official?