ORDINANCE NO._______________

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO,

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.13.080 OF TITLE 2 OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY ORDINANCE CODE REGARDING INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS OF IMPROPER GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY

WHEREFORE, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, ORDAINS as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 2.13.080 of Title 2 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.13.080 Investigation.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the office receiving the complaint shall promptly plan and conduct an appropriate investigation and notify the other offices and the Board of Supervisors or refer the complaint as appropriate. In the case of complaints filed with the Board of Supervisors, the President of the Board shall act on behalf of the Board unless the Board otherwise directs. The President of the Board may direct the County Counsel to plan and conduct the investigation. Depending on the nature of the alleged violation, the investigation may involve departmental management, Human Resources and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies. If the County Counsel’s office is the subject of allegations contained in the complaint, the matter can be referred to the County Manager’s office to plan and conduct an investigation regarding those allegations.

(a)

Throughout the investigative process, all involved parties will treat the complaint and related information, including but not limited to information gathered and prepared in the course of the investigation of the complaint, as confidential unless otherwise necessary to conduct the investigation or unless disclosure is required by state law. A copy of the complaint may be given to the subject(s) of the complaint, unless it will hamper the investigation.

(b)

In situations potentially warranting involvement from law enforcement and/or licensing agencies, the District Attorney and/or the County Counsel shall determine what action or referral should be made.

(c)

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, County Counsel and/or the Department will take the necessary steps to address the improper governmental activity, including any necessary systemic changes to minimize or prevent reoccurrence of any improper activity.

(d)

After the investigation has been completed, the President of the Board of Supervisors may authorize the release of a summary of the investigation to the complainant as well as the subject of the complaint, if deemed appropriate.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall be effective thirty (30) days from the passage date thereof.

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