How to file a complaint about a Monterey County Sheriff's deputy (step-by-step)
Need to report a Monterey County Sheriff's deputy? You can file a citizen complaint several ways, and it'll be routed to the right place for review.
You don't need to track down a specific office. Any member of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office can take your complaint and pass it along to Professional Standards to start an investigation.
Can't come in person right away? The Sheriff's Office accepts written and telephone complaints. That said, they prefer to speak with you face-to-face during the investigation - an investigator will interview you as part of the process.
Note: Even if you start your complaint by phone or in writing, expect an investigator to interview you during the investigation.
Addresses and Return
- ✓ Central Station (ATTN: Professional Standards Division): 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906
- ✓ Coastal Station (ATTN: Professional Standards Division): 1200 Aguajito Road, Room #002, Monterey, CA 93940
- ✓ South County Station (ATTN: Professional Standards Division): 250 Franciscan Drive, King City, CA 93930
Once you file, your complaint goes to Professional Standards. An investigator - or a supervisor designated by the Sheriff - handles it from there. When the investigation wraps up, you'll get a letter from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office with the outcome.
Note: You should receive a disposition letter from the Sheriff’s Office after the investigation is finished.
Worried your complaint will disappear into a file cabinet? The Monterey County Sheriff's Office must keep citizen complaints - along with any related reports or findings - for at least five years.
Minors can file a complaint too. If you're under 18, bring a parent, guardian, or another responsible adult with you.
In some cases, the Sheriff's Office may ask you to take a polygraph examination. Involved deputies may be asked as well.
Warning: Knowingly alleging false or incorrect information in a complaint may subject you to civil action under Civil Code Section 47.5.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Your name and contact information (so investigators can reach you)
- ✓ The deputy’s name (if known) and any identifying details you have
- ✓ Where the incident happened
- ✓ The date and time (or your best estimate)
- ✓ A clear, detailed description of what happened, in your own words
- Start the complaint with any Sheriff’s Office member - they can take your information and forward it to Professional Standards.
- Choose how you’ll submit - complaints can be made by telephone or in writing, even though investigators prefer to speak with you in person.
- Mail or return your completed form to Professional Standards - use Central Station (Salinas), Coastal Station (Monterey), or South County Station (King City).
- Watch for your disposition letter - after the investigation, you’ll receive a letter telling you the outcome.
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