Stop the Scandals
A campaign for an inspector general
You can still sign our petition! We’re keeping it open to new signatures so you can add your name to demand accountability.
The Stop the Scandals petition was originally delivered to the Board of Supervisors on August 25, 2026 with 565 signatures. Thank you to everyone who signed! See news coverage here.
Stop the Scandals is an initiative of Fixin’ San Mateo County created by student interns from Carlmont High School. It calls for an independent inspector general for San Mateo County, who would monitor the Sheriff’s Office activities, investigate incidents, review systemic issues, and help ensure accountability before problems become costly scandals.
For many young people, this issue is personal. “We started Stop the Scandals because we believe accountability should not depend on the next crisis. As the generation that will inherit the future of this county, we want a government that learns from past mistakes, protects its communities, and invests in people rather than preventable scandals.”
Events
NOTE: due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, Bernie Mills, Chair of Santa Clara County’s CCLEM, will be rescheduled for a future meeting.
Nov 10: Emily Galvin Almanza, author of The Price of Mercy
Emily Galvin Almanza is the co-founder and executive director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit creating a new collaborative model of public defense designed to empower defenders nationwide. Prior to founding PFJ, Emily fought for clients inside the L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, with the Bronx Defenders, and with the Stanford Three Strikes Project. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Time, among other publications.
Emily is the author of The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Violent System, and a Public Defender’s Search for Justice in America.
Tuesday, Nov 10, 7-8pm
on Zoom
News
Stay up to date
Sign up for important email updates and invitations to events. 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.
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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.
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.
2025 Impact Report
Our 2025 Impact 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.
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