The Cordell Report
UPDATE: The County Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to adopt both resolutions listed in this agenda.
On November 12, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors released the findings by Judge LaDoris Cordell from her investigation into allegations against Sheriff Corpus and her executive team. Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Ray Mueller summarize the findings and the Board’s response in this video. You can read the complete 408-page report here.
Judge Cordell’s report concluded that: “Lies, secrecy, intimidation, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and abuses of authority are the hallmarks of the Corpus administration. Corpus should step down and Victor Aenlle’s employment with the Sheriff’s Office should be terminated immediately. Nothing short of new leadership can save this organization that is in turmoil, and its personnel demoralized.”
The Board will convene a special meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at 4:00pm to vote on a resolution calling on Sheriff Corpus to resign.
Our response
Jim Lawrence, Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County, issued the following statement today in response to Judge LaDoris Cordell’s recent report on the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office:
“I am profoundly alarmed by the findings in Judge LaDoris Cordell’s report, which expose serious issues within the Sheriff’s Office. This report underscores the urgent need for independent oversight to safeguard public trust and ensure accountability within our law enforcement. Judge Cordell’s findings highlight the critical role an Inspector General would play in San Mateo County. If we are to regain confidence in the Sheriff’s Office, we must establish robust oversight mechanisms now.”
Fixin’ San Mateo County fully supports the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors’ findings and recommendations following this report, including the call for the Sheriff to resign. As community members, we are deeply concerned by the documented actions of Sheriff Christina Corpus and her Chief of Staff, Victor Aenlle, which undermine public confidence.
We have long advocated for the appointment of a permanent Inspector General, and we urge the Board to take this vital step. A dedicated Inspector General would provide a steady, transparent avenue for addressing concerns, empowering deputies to report issues and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
We also call on the Board to task the Independent Citizen Advisory Committee (ICAC) with reviewing Judge Cordell’s findings and advising on essential steps forward. Their insights are critical to achieving meaningful reform.
Fixin’ San Mateo County, alongside the Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County, extends sincere gratitude to Judge LaDoris Cordell for her exhaustive investigation and to the Board of Supervisors for their prompt, transparent response in releasing this report. We stand ready to support all efforts that prioritize justice and safety for every member of our community.
Oversight balances power with responsibility.
Oversight helps public safety by balancing the enormous power of the Sheriff’s Office with accountability to the community. Fixin’ San Mateo County is a local grassroots organization working to enact effective, independent civilian oversight of the County Sheriff’s Office. Join us in supporting safety for everyone.
Join our Holiday Party!
Please join us Friday, December 6 at 6:00pm for our annual winter holiday party to enjoy refreshments and celebrate the season. Our parties are always fun and a great chance to renew our solidarity going into the new year.
Friday, December 6, 6 – 8pm
UUFRC, 2124 Brewster Ave, Redwood City
Happy Hour: Tuesday November 19
Join us Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Wursthall, 310 Baldwin Ave in San Mateo (close to Caltrain) for our first monthly Happy Hour! This is our chance to be together and discuss whatever we chose; this is not a working meeting. All are welcome, no RSVP needed!
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Ready to get more involved? Email us at info@fixinsmc.org and let us know you want to take an active role in ensuring fair law enforcement for all members of the community.
On the Civilian Advisory Commission
On December 12 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved this resolution creating a Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office, but no permanent Inspector General. Learn about the Commission here.
The Board took a historic first step towards oversight with the creation of this commission. We want the new Commission to be successful and will continue to work with the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff’s Office, and the community to make it as effective as possible.
Being effective will require that the Commission be given specific powers and authority. We will advocate for whatever helps it succeed in bringing transparency and accountability to our Sheriff’s Office.
Goals and Metrics
In the spirit of ensuring an effective independent advisory commission on the Sheriff’s Office, one with a clear plan and milestones to measure progress, Fixin’ has developed recommended goals and metrics as a starting point for the launch of the Commission.
Ways to Help
When you buy something at our shop, approximately 17% of your purchase price goes to Fixin’ SMC to support our work. The rest goes to fulfillment service RedBubble.
News
Developments about San Mateo County’s progress toward independent oversight, and other oversight-related news.
Unions address vote of no confidence against sheriff’s chief of staff
Fixin’ San Mateo County, a community organization dedicated to independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, released a statement Wednesday applauding the board’s decision to investigate the dispute between the Sheriff’s Office and the unions. It also called for the installation of a permanent inspector general to provide oversight and ensure law enforcement accountability.
County sheriffs wield lethal power, face little accountability: “A failure of democracy”
County sheriff’s officers are three times more lethal than city police, a CBS News investigation has found… For every 100,000 people arrested, more than 27 people died in the custody of sheriffs, while that number was fewer than 10 for police officers in 2022, the most recent year of available data.
Sheriff Oversight Committee debuts in San Mateo County, falls short of activists’ expectations
The County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the formation of a civilian advisory commission last week… Fixin’ San Mateo County’s executive director said the resolution lacks two critical factors: a full-time inspector general and the ability to ask questions and obtain answers.
What are people saying about oversight?
“The people of San Mateo County deserve the best law enforcement. The efforts of Fixin’ San Mateo County to establish a Civilian Oversight Commission and Inspector General with subpoena power for the Sheriff’s Office will ensure transparency and accountability for citizens. I support the initiative and look forward to its implementation.”
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
“As a retired police officer, I support oversight of the Sheriff’s Office. It can improve the relationship between the community and agency, and address public concern about high profile incidents and discipline matters. Oversight will increase understanding of law enforcement policies and procedures, and identify areas of concern and offer options to improve policing.”
C.R., Redwood City
In Depth
Data and details about civilian oversight and about Fixin’ SMC.
2023 Year End Report
Our 2023 Year End Report is now available!
White Paper
Our report to the Board of Supervisors on oversight requirements and local comparisons.
Data-Driven Outcomes from Law Enforcement Oversight
Case studies of successful oversight outcomes.
Explore more topics
What else are people saying about oversight?
“My family knows law enforcement. In my immediate family we have a former Menlo Park PD lieutenant, a retired Redding Sheriff, a CHP officer and a police officer in South Carolina. So I know the importance of transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the community. And I believe that civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office will support a positive relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves.”
B.K., North Fair Oaks
“I actually think, in public life, we often miss one of the most important functions that we can engage in, and that is oversight. What you’re doing is just fundamentally good, grassroots political action. I applaud you and wish you great success as you move forward.”
Congresswoman Jackie Speier
