An attorney with twenty years of investigative experience as a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation will become the new chief operating officer of the San Diego County Citizen Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB).
Brett Kalina’s start date is Sept. 3, said CLERB Chair MaryAnne Pintar, who served on the selection committee.
“Brett has extensive experience with complex, high-profile investigations involving drug trafficking, violent crime, complicated forensic evidence and diverse communities,” Pintar said. “Since CLERB’s primary mission is investigation, Brett’s extensive knowledge will greatly benefit CLERB’s mission.”
Kalina most recently served as a senior special agent in charge of the FBI.
The primary mission of the CLERB is to investigate citizen complaints against San Diego County sheriffs and probation officers, as well as any deaths or serious bodily injuries related to the actions of either department. Based on the cases it investigates, as well as trends observed in the community, CLERB also recommends new policies or policy changes to departments to improve policing, prevent harm, and promote justice.
“Kalina was recognized for his efforts to promote equal opportunity in the workplace and his work to promote diversity and inclusivity in policing,” Pintar said, adding that Kalina served for five years as president of the Bureau of Equality. In that role, Kalina was sent to train teams tasked with investigating the 2016 Pulse nightclub mass murder. Kalina’s job was to ensure culturally sensitive and considerate interactions with Orlando’s diverse communities.
Kalina is a certified diversity and inclusion trainer and led initiatives that resulted in an update of language policies within the office. He is also a specialized trainer in criminal enterprise and organized crime, as well as active shooter training.
Kalina earned his juris doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota.
