Fixin’ San Mateo County is a grassroots group made up of local residents. Our Board of Directors is 71% BIPOC, and 71% female. Our membership covers areas from East Palo Alto to South San Francisco, and from Foster City to Half Moon Bay. We are proud to have earned the support of dozens of elected officials and community organizations.
Less than a year after our public launch, Fixin’ SMC’s tireless work to garner support for civilian oversight helped bring about the historic Board of Supervisors’ vote which took place on November 1, 2022.
Incorporation of Fixin’ SMC: November 2021
In May 2021 a handful of county residents decided to take action for more transparency and accountability from our county Sheriff’s Office. We began meeting to explore establishing independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, like 220 other cities and counties in the country have done. Fixin’ San Mateo County formally incorporated as a 501(c)4 nonprofit in November 2021.
Public Launch on March 26, 2022
Fixin’ SMC held a public event to officially launch itself as the only organization focused on civilian oversight in San Mateo County.
Votes by the Board of Supervisors
September 13, 2022
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create an ad hoc committee to study oversight of the Sheriff’s Office.
November 1, 2022
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, specifically directing their staff and ad hoc committee to bring forward a proposal for both a civilian oversight board and an Office of the Inspector General.
In 2022 we made 38 presentations to community organizations, faith-based groups, and political clubs, and built a coalition of more than 23 groups in favor of oversight.
We gained the endorsement of 46 elected officials, including state and federal representatives, mayors, and city council members.
25 cities, towns, and organizations wrote to the Board of Supervisors to ask for civilian oversight at our request.
Goals for 2023
- Continue to educate the public and cities about the value and importance of independent civilian oversight
- Engage the public in providing feedback to the Board of Supervisors about the potential ordinance
- Work with the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff to develop and pass an effective ordinance
- Follow up after passage of the ordinance to make sure it’s being used effectively
Our Scope
| Within Scope | Outside of Scope | |
|---|---|---|
| Agencies | Sheriff’s Office District Attorney’s Office Board of Supervisors | City Police Departments City Councils |
| Actions | Creation of a civilian oversight board and Inspector General, both with subpoena power | Oversight of city police departments |