By Robert J. Hansen | OBSEREVER Staff Writer
The official whose office is charged with oversight of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office apparently left the job in September, The OBSERVER has learned.
County Inspector General Francine Tournour Kerridge took over as director of police oversight for the City of Long Beach in September, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported.
This leaves Sacramento County without an inspector general, whose office monitors complaints of sheriff’s personnel misconduct.
The county has given no public notice regarding the departure of Tournour Kerridge, who did not return calls seeking comment.
The county’s website still has Tournour Kerridge listed as its inspector general.
The inspector general serves on a contract basis; Tournour Kerridge’s expired Aug. 31. The county Board of Supervisors had the option of renewing the agreement for two additional one-year terms, according to earlier reporting by The OBSERVER.
Tournour Kerridge’s departure comes after only a year in the position, during which several inmates at the Sac County jail died for medical reasons, also reported by The OBSERVER.
Public information officer Kim Nava said the county has worked with a recruitment firm to attract qualified inspector general candidates and that the first round of interviews is being scheduled.
Complaints about the Sheriff’s Office are going to the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Community Review Commission, according to Nava. Members of the public may submit complaints about the Sheriff’s Office at the Inspector General’s website.
This is a developing story.