Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51020.20.3 Deadly Force Review Board

• The DFRB is the board responsible for conducting a full and complete review of all incidents involving a use of deadly force (except warning shots) and every death or great bodily injury that could have been caused by a staff use of force, regardless of whether the incident occurs in an institutional or community setting.

• The DFRB shall be composed of at least four members. Three shall be non-departmental law enforcement professionals. One (1) shall be a Division, Parole Region, or Institutional/facility manager (i.e. Associate Directors, Division of Juvenile Justice Superintendents, Chiefs or designees) from outside the chain of command of the involved employee(s). Additional members may be designated by the Secretary or designee.

• The reports and findings generated from the separate investigative bodies (DFIT and local law enforcement if applicable) will be presented to the DFRB. The DFRB shall be convened as soon as possible after the criminal and administrative investigations are completed.

• The DFRB shall examine all aspects of the incident to determine the extent to which the use of force complied with departmental policies and procedures, and to determine the need for policy, training, and/or equipment modifications.

• The DFRB shall report its findings and recommendations in writing, to the Undersecretary assigned to oversee the DAIDivision of Adult Institutions (formerly Institutions Division).