WHAT
In November 2022, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for a model of independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office that included a civilian board and an inspector general. For the first time in a year, the County will hear from the Board of Supervisors their position on oversight. The agenda is at https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will hold a public Study Session exclusively focused on Sheriff Oversight and Engagement. The Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County is on the agenda, and will be represented by Fixin’ San Mateo County Board Chair Jim Lawrence in support of independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office.
Representatives of the Coalition, including Mr. Lawrence, will be available for press comment after the meeting.
WHO
The Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County is composed of 37 San Mateo County community organizations with an estimated combined membership of 5,000, which are advocating for an independent civilian oversight board and an Inspector General.
WHEN
The Board of Supervisors meeting begins at 9:00 am on October 24.
WHERE
Hall of Justice Plaza, 400 County Center, Redwood City. It is a hybrid meeting, including Zoom.
WHY
Organized by Fixin’ San Mateo County, the push for oversight comes after multiple incidents of police brutality and over-policing that disproportionately impact communities of color. Five years ago this month, Chinedu Okobi, a 36-year-old Black resident of San Mateo, was killed by police after they attempted to stop him while allegedly jaywalking.
Mr. Okobi’s sister, Ekene Okobi, says, “A Black person in San Mateo County is 17 times more likely than a White person to be killed by law enforcement. Public oversight is absolutely essential for institutions and organizations that have repeatedly harmed the most marginalized members of our communities. The public should be privy to all the details behind situations that turn deadly. Most of all, there should be accountability for any members of law enforcement who abuse their power.”
Assembly Bill 1185 authorizes a county to establish a sheriff oversight board, either by action of the board of supervisors or through a vote of county residents. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create a subcommittee to research oversight models and, last November, voted to move ahead with creating an ordinance that would incorporate both the civilian board and Inspector General that Fixin’ SMC had recommended.