Fixin’ San Mateo County (FxSMC) is a local grassroots organization working to enact effective civilian oversight of the County Sheriff’s Office.
FxSMC is asking the Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance this year to establish the framework for strong, independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office. Approving this ordinance is the next step in bringing civilian oversight and all its benefits to San Mateo County. Read the draft ordinance here.
What can oversight do for our county?
- Protect civil rights
- Support effective policing
- Ensure greater accountability
- Enhance transparency and public reporting
- Lower liability and costs for county taxpayers
- Build trust between community and law enforcement
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
“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
