PRESS STATEMENT FROM FIXIN’ SAN MATEO COUNTY
San Mateo County, CA — Today, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus testified, “I support having an inspector general over the Sheriff’s Office.”
On August 12, the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office (ICAC) recommended to the Board of Supervisors that they establish a permanent inspector general with subpoena power. At the same meeting, Fixin’ SMC and the Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County submitted a statement asking for a permanent inspector general, signed by 26 community groups, faith-based organizations, and political clubs.
Fixin’ San Mateo County Board chair Jim Lawrence says, “We very much appreciate the support of Sheriff Corpus for an inspector general. We hope that the board of supervisors expeditiously votes to create this important function, which can serve as a safety net and proactively address problems before they reach a crisis point.” An inspector general can save taxpayer dollars by preventing problems and reducing lawsuit costs and payouts.
We urge the Board to approve the appointment of a permanent inspector general. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office needs to restore morale, rebuild public trust, and refocus on its essential mission: to protect and serve the residents of San Mateo County with honor, fairness, and integrity. An inspector general will provide an important forum to hear concerns from Sheriff’s Office staff as well as from the community.
Fixin’ San Mateo County remains committed to advocating for independent civilian oversight, including a permanent inspector general, for accountability, ethical leadership, and justice for all.
Media Contact:
Jim Lawrence
Fixin’ San Mateo County
408-590-0429, jtlawrence94404@yahoo.com