Any individual may file a complaint with the Grand Jury about the conduct of local agencies or units of government and public officials, whether elected or appointed. Anyone may ask for an investigation of alleged misconduct. Follow the procedures listed under “Filing a Complaint.”

Once the Grand Jury receives a completed and signed Compliant Form, the Complaint Process follows a disciplined pattern. First, the Complaint is reviewed to ascertain if it is within the Scope of Grand Jury functions and investigative powers. Then, the Complaint is presented to the full panel of Jurors at the next monthly meeting. The full panel decides whether to accept the complaint for further inquiry, or to reject it. The Grand Jury has complete discretion to accept or reject a complaint. If accepted, the complaint is assigned to an appropriate committee for investigation. Individuals are interviewed under strict confidentiality. Documents are gathered and analyzed. Information and statements are crosschecked. When the committee completes its work, its findings and recommendations are presented to the full panel of Jurors.

The full panel decides, by vote, what action, if any, should be recommended to correct whatever situation exists. The complainant will be notified of the decision taken by the full panel.

Depending on the significance and substance of the complaint, findings and recommendations about it may be included in the Grand Jury’s Final Report. That report is delivered to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by June 30. Because names are never used in that report, individuals’ confidentiality is protected.

Throughout a complaint investigation, all information received by the Grand Jury is kept in strict confidence and secrecy. Absolutely nothing may be disclosed by a Juror, even after his/her term is ended. It is a misdemeanor for a Grand Juror to disclose evidence presented to the Grand Jury or of conversations and votes of Jurors (Penal Code 924.1). Thus, complainants can disclose freely any and all information to which they can attest.

Filing a Complaint

The procedure is to file a written and signed Complaint Form with the Grand Jury by mail at P. O. Box 939, Ukiah, CA 95482-0939. Filing a signed Complaint Form initiates the Complaint Process. To receive a Complaint Form, do one of the following:

Click here to download a Complaint Form

Chasque aqui para una forma de la queja.

Write your request to the Grand Jury

Call the Grand Jury at 707-463-4320

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