Sonoma County has named John Alden, a seasoned professional in civilian oversight with over 13 years of dedicated experience, as the new Director of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO). This appointment of John Alden follows a rigorous nationwide recruitment and selection process, highlighting the county’s commitment to robust law enforcement oversight.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is set to formally approve John Alden‘s appointment at their upcoming meeting on August 9th. This decision marks a significant step in reinforcing the county’s dedication to transparency and accountability within its law enforcement structures.
“We extend our gratitude to the community for their valuable input in defining the priorities and essential skills sought in the next IOLERO Director,” stated James Gore, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “John Alden’s extensive background in oversight is a crucial asset for the IOLERO office at this pivotal moment. We eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives and strategic vision he will bring to this vital role.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, John Alden remarked, “I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the Board of Supervisors. I am inspired by Sonoma County’s proactive approach to establishing effective oversight for the Sheriff’s Office. I am committed to collaborating closely with both the community and the Sheriff’s Office to cultivate a culture of accountability, transparency, and open communication.”
John Alden‘s career trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to public service and legal expertise. He began as a Deputy District Attorney at the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office in 1997, followed by a role in the same capacity at the Marin County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2003. After several years in criminal and civil practice, he transitioned to law enforcement oversight, joining the Internal Affairs Division of the San Francisco Police Department in 2008 and serving until 2016. From 2016 to 2018, John Alden served as an attorney for the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability, further solidifying his expertise in this field. He then took on the role of Managing District Attorney for San Francisco’s Independent Investigations Bureau, where he led a specialized unit investigating criminal cases involving alleged police misconduct. Prior to this appointment, John Alden was the Executive Director of the Oakland Community Police Review Agency from 2019 to 2022, overseeing independent investigations into allegations of police misconduct.
Academically, John Alden holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a Juris Doctor degree, both from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. His educational background complements his extensive practical experience in law and oversight.
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) plays a critical role as a civilian review agency. It is responsible for conducting objective and independent audits and investigations into complaints against the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, IOLERO proposes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the Sheriff’s Office’s operations and fostering stronger, more positive relationships between law enforcement and the community it serves. The Director of IOLERO manages a team of 4.5 full-time staff members and oversees an operating budget of $1.76 million, reflecting the significant resources allocated to this function.
Following the departure of the previous IOLERO Director in 2021, the Board of Supervisors appointed an interim director while undertaking a comprehensive national search for a permanent leader. As part of this thorough search process, the county actively sought community input through a survey to understand public priorities for IOLERO and the desired competencies in the new director. This community engagement resulted in over 230 responses, demonstrating the public’s interest in and commitment to police oversight. Subsequently, the Board of Supervisors conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates, ultimately selecting John Alden to lead IOLERO into the future.
John Alden’s annual salary in his new role as Director will be $189,093, commensurate with the responsibilities and expertise required for this important position.
For more detailed information about the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach, please visit: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/independent-office-of-law-enforcement-review-and-outreach
Media Contact:
Sylvia Lemus, Communications Specialist [email protected] (707) 565-3040 575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A Santa Rosa, CA 95403
