The L.A. Times obtained a copy of the report that is to be released Tuesday by the Office of Independent Review.
Salazar, a former Times columnist, was hit in the head and killed by a tear-gas canister fired into a bar by deputies during an anti-war protest.
He was investigating allegations of misconduct by deputies at the time.
This is the first outside examination of sealed sheriff's records in the case.
The report says it does not appear that Salazar was targeted, but that deputies used poor tactics at the rally where he died.
Salazar's daughter says the report offers more questions than answers and is still calling for the public release of all of the files.
