Fixin’ San Mateo County is a local grassroots organization working to enact effective, independent civilian oversight of the County Sheriff’s Office.
About Oversight
Frequently asked questions
About Fixin’ SMC
Our history and mission
Upcoming Event
June 6 2023
We welcome William Palmer II
SF Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board
SF Reentry Council on the Sentencing Commission
William “Tariq” Palmer served 31 years in prison for an offense committed as a minor, 23 years of which were ruled unconstitutionally excessive by the California Supreme Court. Now he is an artist, a youth mentor, and an advocate for parole reform, as well as a member of the Reentry Council on the Sentencing Commission and the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board. Please join us to hear his story.
Our partner spotlight will be on the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission and their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on better addressing police responses to people in mental health crisis, with Commission Chair Chris Rasmussen.
News
Developments about San Mateo County’s progress toward independent oversight, and other oversight-related news.
The case for independent sheriff oversight
Creating oversight is an opportunity to dismantle unjust criminalization systems that target people of color and exploit poor communities to transform those systems into ones that value all humanity. Empowering people to participate in and engage with local systems and structures in our community can lead to meaningful and long-lasting change.
Board votes to advance oversight
On November 1, 2022, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to support oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, and to direct staff and the ad hoc committee to return to the full Board with a proposal that involves both an Inspector General and a board.
California County Agrees to Pay $4.5 Million in Death of Man Stunned With Taser
San Mateo County has agreed to pay $4.5M to the family a Chinedu Okobi, a Black man who was killed by Sheriff’s Deputies in 2018.
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.
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.
Year End Report
See our 2022 year-end report for our accomplishments from last year.
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
