Civil Grand Jury Investigation Request

Request a Civil Grand Jury Investigation

The Civil Grand Jury welcomes concerns about the operation of local government. If you believe a local government agency, department, office, or official should be reviewed, you may submit a Request for Investigation in one of two ways:

• Download the form: Download the Request for Investigation form (PDF). You can fill it out on your computer, or print it and complete it by hand, then return it by mail or email.
  • By mail:
    Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury
    P.O. Box 5109
    Santa Rosa, CA 95402
  • By email: cgjury@sonoma-county.org

The Grand Jury reviews each request and determines whether the matter is within its authority and whether an investigation will be conducted.

What the Civil Grand Jury Can Investigate

The Civil Grand Jury may investigate:

• County and city government
• Special districts and other local public agencies
• Operations, accounts, and records of local government
• County detention facilities, including their condition and management
• Willful or corrupt misconduct in office by public officers

What the Civil Grand Jury Cannot Investigate

The Civil Grand Jury does not have authority to investigate:

• Federal government agencies
• State government agencies
• Courts
• Private disputes or matters that do not involve local government

Not sure whether your concern falls within the Civil Grand Jury's authority? You may still submit a Request for Investigation. The Grand Jury will review the information provided and determine whether the matter is within its jurisdiction.

Your Information Is Confidential

Civil Grand Jury proceedings are confidential. Civil Grand Jurors take an oath of confidentiality and are prohibited from disclosing matters that come before the Grand Jury except as authorized by law.

Information you provide in a Request for Investigation, including your identity and supporting documents, is handled in accordance with these confidentiality requirements.

This confidentiality allows residents to bring concerns to the Civil Grand Jury and provide information for its consideration.

Help the Civil Grand Jurors Understand Your Request

The Civil Grand Jury carefully considers each Request for Investigation. Providing clear, factual, and complete information will help the Grand Jury evaluate your concerns.

Whenever possible, please include:

• Names of the agency, department, office, or individuals involved
• Important dates and facts
• Relevant correspondence
• Documents or records that support your concerns
• Steps you have already taken to address the matter

You may upload supporting documents with your online request or include copies with a paper submission.

Anonymous Requests

Providing your name and contact information allows the Grand Jury to contact you if additional information or clarification is needed. Anonymous requests may be difficult to evaluate and are unlikely to be considered for investigation.