Statement for Cal Watch Sonoma DC - Taser Investigation The Department of Developmental Services has taken aggressive action to ensure the health and safety of residents at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC). Both the Executive Director and the Clinical Director have been replaced. Several other employees have been terminated or disciplined and investigations continue which could result in additional actions. Following an anonymous call in September 2011 indicating an employee was using a taser, the Department initiated a criminal investigation. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office was contacted on September 28, 2011 at 9:02 am (call reference # 112710056) regarding the taser allegations and they immediately responded to the facility. In accordance with State law, the Sheriff's Office made the determination not to intercede and take over the investigation. However, the Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit provided consultation to the Office of Protective Services during the criminal investigation. The investigation also included interviews of over 100 individuals, including the suspect who was interviewed on three separate occasions and terminated from employment. The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office (DA's Office) was also notified of the case and they remained involved during the criminal investigation. The Forensic Pathologist used by Sonoma County Coroner's Office was brought in by the Department to provide expert consultation regarding taser use. An outside taser expert was also brought in to review and advise the Department in the investigation. The investigative report was provided to the DA's Office, who declined to pursue prosecution in this case. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, DA's Office and State licensing agency, the Department also contacted families; the client rights advocate; the California Certified Nurses Assistant Board; the associated regional centers; Area 4 Developmental Disabilities Board; and employees regarding the case. The health and safety of residents is the Department's highest priority with a zero tolerance for abuse. In addition to the recent changes in leadership at SDC, the Department has engaged a Corrective Action and Quality Assurance Team, consisting of state and national experts to review the entire service delivery system at SDC. This team is assisting the Department in implementing immediate and ongoing improvements. The Department recognizes there is always room for improvement when resident care is involved, and will continue to take immediate actions to address concerns.