Correctional Law Enforcement Executive · Expert Witness · Consultant
Sacramento, California·Contact details redacted — engagements via Beacon
Professional Summary
Public safety executive with more than thirty-five years of law enforcement service and over twenty-five years of investigative leadership across correctional and forensic mental health environments. Has led large public safety organizations, directed statewide internal affairs operations, managed peace officer hiring programs, and implemented policy and operational reforms across complex government systems. Currently serves as Chief of CDCR's Allegation Investigation Unit and provides expert witness testimony in state and federal courts through Starnes Consulting.
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Consulting & Expert Witness
CEO, Starnes Consulting
April 2016 – Present
Sacramento, California
Provides expert witness testimony in criminal and civil cases in state and federal courts.
Consults on correctional operations, internal affairs investigations, community supervision, and risk assessment.
Engaged by attorneys and agencies seeking subject matter expertise in correctional and law enforcement practice.
For testimony history, case types, and availability, please contact David directly.
Professional Experience
Chief, Allegation Investigation Unit
June 2024 – Present
Office of Internal Affairs, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Provides statewide executive leadership for the Allegation Investigation Unit responsible for administrative investigations involving allegations of staff misconduct toward incarcerated persons.
Directs regional investigative teams composed of associate wardens, captains, investigators, and analysts responsible for hundreds of active investigations.
Leads implementation of investigative reforms addressing backlog reduction while maintaining investigative integrity and statutory timelines.
Developed structured case prioritization modelsaligning investigative resources with allegation severity and statute of limitations risk.
Designed the Central Intake Triage Team (CITT) concept to improve investigative intake screening, early video preservation, and case triage.
Coordinates investigative practices with the Office of the Inspector General, Hiring Authorities, and EAPT attorneys.
Chief of Law Enforcement / Deputy Director, Office of Protective Services
November 2019 – January 2022
California Department of State Hospitals
Provided executive leadership for statewide law enforcement and fire service operations across multiple forensic mental health hospitals.
Directed confidential criminal and administrative investigations involving staff and patient incidents.
Developed consistent law enforcement and fire service practices across multiple facilities.
Collaborated with executive leadership, control agencies, and local law enforcement partners on safety and policy matters.
Implemented training and staff development programs supporting law enforcement and fire service personnel.
Chief, Office of Peace Officer Selection
February 2015 – April 2016
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Provided statewide leadership for CDCR peace officer recruitment and selection operations.
Oversaw examination, background investigations, medical and psychological screening, and hiring processes.
Directed operations responsible for processing more than 120,000 applicants through multiple phases of the selection process.
Advised institutional leadership and stakeholders on peace officer hiring policy and compliance with state personnel rules.
Senior Special Agent, Office of Internal Affairs
November 2009 – February 2015
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Conducted complex administrative and criminal investigations involving departmental staff.
Provided investigative guidanceand technical assistance to hiring authorities and investigators.
Participated in Central Intake Panelreviewing thousands of requests for internal affairs investigations.
Worked with external law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional investigative matters.
Special Agent, Office of Internal Affairs
October 2006 – November 2009
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Investigated criminal activity and staff misconduct cases within CDCR.
Conducted interviews, interrogations, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations.
Coordinated enforcement actions with local and state law enforcement agencies.
Earlier Career
Correctional Lieutenant, Sergeant, Officer
September 1990 – October 2006
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation — Multiple Institutions
Sixteen years of progressive custody leadership across multiple institutions.As Lieutenant, supervised custody operations including disciplinary matters, investigations, healthcare access, safety and security, and classification committee decisions.As Sergeant, supervised the Investigative Services Unit and correctional officers in varied assignments. As Officer, performed frontline custody duties at two institutions including Investigative Services Unit assignments.
Military Service
United States Marine CorpsEngineer Equipment Operator (MOS 1345)
Active Duty 1984–1988 · Marine Corps Reserve 1996–2002
References and testimony history available upon request.