On December 12 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved this resolution creating a Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office, but no permanent Inspector General. This is only a start to oversight; for true independence and effectiveness, this Commission needs specific powers and authority that the current resolution does not provide.
The commission can be a solid start by creating a good relationship with the Sheriff and asking good questions, getting answers, and producing reports, but the details matter. We need strong advocates for transparency, accountability, and fairness to serve on this Commission in order to make headway toward justice for all in our county.
Thank you to all applicants!
Applications to serve on the Commission are now closed. The Board will vote on the membership and meetings will begin later this year. Thank you to everyone who put their name forward for consideration. Your dedication to making the county a better place is greatly appreciated.
Learn more
About the Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office
from the San Mateo County County Executive’s Office
About the Commission
The San Mateo County Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office will advise the Board of Supervisors in its effort to facilitate public transparency, accountability, and public engagement with respect to the Sheriff’s Office. It will provide a public forum for input from the community regarding the Sheriff’s Office, develop and implement an annual work plan, and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
The Commission includes seven voting members and two alternates, of which five members are nominated by each Supervisor and resides in their respective districts; one member is nominated by the Sheriff, and the remaining one member and two alternates will be at-large and nominated by the two Board liaisons. Selected non-voting members of the Sheriff’s CARE program and one non-voting member of the Youth Commission will serve as liaisons. All nominations will be subject to the approval of the full Board of Supervisors. Meetings are to be held at least four (4) times per year. As this is a new body, dates and location are yet to be determined.
More about the Commission (County website)