San Bernardino County Seeks Civic-Minded Residents for 2027 Civil Grand Jury; Applications Due July 31
San Bernardino County is accepting applications through July 31, 2026, for the 2027 Civil Grand Jury, a year-long civic role starting Jan. 1, 2027, that investigates local government and provides independent public oversight, and compensation is modest.
Key takeaways
- Apply by July 31, 2026: Online applications are available at become a grand juror.
- Service dates: Selected jurors serve Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2027, meeting regularly in the City of San Bernardino.
- Time and pay: Expect 3–5 full working days per week; pay is $60 per day plus mileage.
- Eligibility & selection: Must be a U.S. citizen, 18+, San Bernardino County resident 1+ year; 19 jurors will be chosen following background checks and interviews.
Role and responsibilities of the Civil Grand Jury
The San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigative body of the Superior Court operating under California Penal Code Sections 888 through 939.91. Its legal charge is to investigate all aspects of county government, including county departments, cities and special districts within the county. The jury may also receive information related to certain criminal investigations as allowed by state law.
For the official announcement see the San Bernardino Superior Court news release.
Confidentiality and independence
All communications and complaints submitted to the grand jury are handled with strict confidentiality. Information gathered may appear in the grand jury’s final report if appropriate for public release; otherwise, most matters remain private. Although an agency of the Superior Court, the Civil Grand Jury is independent of San Bernardino County government.
Service requirements and compensation
Serving on the Civil Grand Jury is a substantial commitment. Applicants should expect a workload comparable to a full-time job for one calendar year. Jurors typically work at least three full days per week, often four or five, and perform investigations, interviews, research, and writing. Compensation is $60 per day plus appropriate mileage reimbursement.
More details on duties and expectations are listed on the become a grand juror page.
Eligibility and selection process
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Have been a resident of San Bernardino County for at least one year prior to appointment.
- Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language and have ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character.
Note: By law, elected public officials are not eligible to serve as grand jurors.
Selection timeline and numbers
Nineteen people will be chosen to serve on the Civil Grand Jury for 2027. Key timeline milestones include:
- July 31, 2026: Application deadline.
- August 2026: Orientation materials and background check information distributed.
- October 2026: Background checks completed and panel interviews held across all five county districts.
- November 2026: Candidates summoned to the selection ceremony.
- Dec. 11, 2026: Selection ceremony at San Bernardino Superior Court — Justice Center.
- January 2027: Foreperson applications and interviews; mandatory California Grand Jurors Association training.
Full timeline document: 2027 Grand Jury Timeline (PDF).
How to apply and where to get more information
Interested citizens should apply online before the July 31, 2026 deadline. Options:
- Apply online: become a grand juror.
- Mail paper applications and resumes to: San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0244.
- Questions? Call the Grand Jury Coordinator at (909) 382-3971 or visit the grand jury website: San Bernardino County Grand Jury.
The Superior Court’s announcement is posted at the court news release.
Why the Civil Grand Jury matters
The Civil Grand Jury provides independent oversight of county and local government operations. Its investigations and reports can identify waste, inefficiency, abuse of power, and public safety or administrative concerns. Reports typically include findings and recommendations intended to prompt reforms by local agencies and elected bodies.
“Potential applicants are encouraged to review recruitment materials and the timeline available online,” said San Bernardino County Superior Court Executive Officer Anabel Romero.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic
Grand jury investigations can influence how public dollars are spent by highlighting inefficiencies and recommending reforms that may redirect funds toward priority services such as public safety, road maintenance, and social programs.
Political
Because the jury is independent of county government, its work can affect local politics nonpartisanly by drawing attention to policy gaps and managerial issues, prompting responses from officials and influencing appointments or elections.
Social and cultural
Investigations often touch services that affect residents directly — law enforcement, homeless services, public health, and schools. A diverse jury drawn from across San Bernardino County helps ensure varied perspectives inform reports and recommendations.
Practical considerations for applicants
- Assess availability for a year-long commitment and multiple full days per week.
- Consider proximity and reliable transportation to the regular meeting place in the City of San Bernardino.
- View service as civic duty rather than a primary income source—the daily pay is limited.
- Prepare documentation for background checks and interviews; review the selection timeline.
How to get started
- Review eligibility and timeline: become a grand juror and the 2027 Grand Jury Timeline (PDF).
- Apply online before July 31, 2026: become a grand juror.
- For paper applications, mail to: San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0244.
- Questions: Call (909) 382-3971 or visit the grand jury website: San Bernardino County Grand Jury.
Keywords: San Bernardino Civil Grand Jury applications, San Bernardino Grand Jury service, Apply for Civil Grand Jury 2027.
