A school program intended to address minor non-criminal offenses is being suspended by the Sheriff’s Department.
SB County Sheriff Dicus said “an abundance of caution” is being taken in suspending CleanSWEEP – which is a disciplinary program that is designed to address minor offenses in the school system through non-criminal procedures – with a focus on keeping kids in school and out of suspension and expulsion procedures.
According to a press release sent on August 31st – the Sheriff’s Department has said that the California Department of Justice (or DOJ) has informed them that it was investigating the CleanSWEEP program in light of concerns expressed to the DOJ.
Sheriff Dicus said that “while we have repeatedly asked what those concerns are, the DOJ has unfortunately refused to tell us.”
Despite the suspension, the department stated that they diligently working with the DOJ – providing records and information – and they “hope that these unknown concerns are either unfounded or can be addressed through collaborative efforts – focused on positive student outcomes.”
Links:
CleanSWEEP San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Full Press Release:
DATE: August 31, 2022
NOTICE: Suspension of CleanSWEEP Program
SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department has suspended the CleanSWEEP program, as a result of an investigation being conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ). CleanSWEEP is a disciplinary program designed to address minor offences in the school setting through non-criminal procedures, with a focus to keep kids in school and out of suspension/expulsion procedures. The Sheriff sent a letter to all participating school districts this week, informing them of the suspension. The letter contained the following information:
Effective immediately, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is suspending the CleanSWEEP program and asks you to also immediately cease all CleanSWEEP activities at your campus(es). I feel compelled to take this step out of an abundance of caution, and to better focus our ongoing response to DOJ requests and inquiries.
Recently, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) informed us that it was investigating CleanSWEEP in light of some concerns expressed to the DOJ about the program. While we have repeatedly asked what those concerns are, the DOJ has unfortunately refused to tell us. Nevertheless, my department has been diligently working with the DOJ. Over the past several months we have provided extensive records, materials, and pertinent information. Despite this, it is still unclear what the concerns are, or what steps we can take to remedy them. It is our hope that these unknown concerns are either unfounded or can be addressed through collaborative efforts, focused on positive student outcomes.
In the meantime, please know that the Sheriff’s Department and our entire staff truly care about the wellbeing of our students. We appreciate and value our partnerships within the county and look forward to continuing our work with you in providing safe learning environments.
Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Dep
