In the news

Redwood City, CA – San Mateo County has faced significant challenges in its Sheriff’s Office, from mass resignations to widespread declarations of no confidence in Sheriff Christina Corpus. Employees in the Sheriff’s Office are experiencing difficult working conditions impacting their morale, the ability to do their jobs, and putting stress on their own families. These events highlight the urgent need for robust, lasting oversight to restore public trust, ensure transparency and accountability, support fiscal integrity, and protect our community. A healthy work environment is necessary to promote healthy interactions with the community.

Fixin’ San Mateo County has consistently advocated for systemic change through independent, effective oversight. While the Board of Supervisors’ ballot measure aims to address the immediate crisis, it is crucial to recognize that systemic problems require systemic solutions.

Independent oversight is not a one-time fix. The recent Cordell investigation demonstrates the value of having an independent Inspector General (IG) conduct thorough investigations and issue recommendations. However, this process cannot be ad hoc—it must be ongoing and institutionalized to ensure accountability for all sheriffs, now and in the future.

Our recommendations remain clear:

1. A permanent Inspector General is essential to achieving systemic change.
2. A stronger role for the Independent Citizens’ Advisory Committee (ICAC) is needed to provide more meaningful civilian engagement.
3. A confidential channel—independent of the Sheriff’s Office—for receiving complaints, including whistleblower concerns, must be established.

Civilian involvement isn’t just about responding to crises—it’s about preventing them. The alleged behaviors uncovered in the recent investigation are unacceptable and are eroding public trust and safety, and resulting in potential lawsuits costly to the taxpayers. These issues demand urgent action, not just to address current challenges but to build lasting guardrails for future accountability.

We recognize the Board of Supervisors’ effort to address some oversight gaps with this ballot measure, but we also urge them to implement Assembly Bill 1185, which would provide even stronger civilian oversight tools.

Jim Lawrence, Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County, stated, “The recent investigation underscores the importance of independent oversight—not as a temporary measure, but as a permanent safeguard. Oversight benefits everyone—those inside the Sheriff’s Office and the communities they serve. San Mateo County deserves a system that ensures accountability, public safety, and trust for generations to come.”

Fixin’ San Mateo County remains focused on achieving systemic change that protects vulnerable communities, ensures public safety, and strengthens public trust. This is about more than one individual or one moment—it’s about building a culture of accountability for the future.

Redwood City, CA – Jim Lawrence, Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County, issued the following statement today in response to Supervisor Noelia Corzo’s announcement that a sexual assault had taken place in the jail and her request for a temporary Inspector General to be brought in to investigate:

“I am deeply disturbed at the allegation of a sexual assault in the San Mateo County Jail, and fully support Supervisor Corzo’s call to bring in an Inspector General to look into what went wrong.” He further adds, “Fixin’ San Mateo County has been advocating for a permanent Inspector General since 2021, and we continue to call on the Board of Supervisors to create the role.” 

Fixin’ San Mateo County has long advocated for the appointment of a permanent Inspector General, and we urge the Board to take this vital step. A dedicated Inspector General would provide a steady, transparent avenue for addressing concerns, empowering deputies to report issues and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

We also call on the Board to task the County’s Independent Citizen Advisory Committee (ICAC) with reviewing the Inspector General’s findings and advising on essential steps forward. Their insights are critical to achieving meaningful reform.

Redwood City, CA – Jim Lawrence, Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County, issued the following statement today in response to Judge LaDoris Cordell’s recent report on the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office:

“I am profoundly alarmed by the findings in Judge LaDoris Cordell’s report, which expose serious issues within the Sheriff’s Office. This report underscores the urgent need for independent oversight to safeguard public trust and ensure accountability within our law enforcement. Judge Cordell’s findings highlight the critical role an Inspector General would play in San Mateo County. If we are to regain confidence in the Sheriff’s Office, we  must establish robust oversight mechanisms now.”

Fixin’ San Mateo County fully supports the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors’ findings and recommendations following this report, including the call for the Sheriff to resign. As community members, we are deeply concerned by the documented actions of Sheriff Christina Corpus and her Chief of Staff, Victor Aenlle, which undermine public confidence.

We have long advocated for the appointment of a permanent Inspector General, and we urge the Board to take this vital step. A dedicated Inspector General would provide a steady, transparent avenue for addressing concerns, empowering deputies to report issues and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

We also call on the Board to task the Independent Citizen Advisory Committee (ICAC) with reviewing Judge Cordell’s findings and advising on essential steps forward. Their insights are critical to achieving meaningful reform.

Fixin’ San Mateo County, alongside the Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County, extends sincere gratitude to Judge LaDoris Cordell for her exhaustive investigation and to the Board of Supervisors for their prompt, transparent response in releasing this report. We stand ready to support all efforts that prioritize justice and safety for every member of our community.

San Mateo County, CA – Fixin’ San Mateo County (SMC) expresses its support for the recent decision by the Board of Supervisors to hire an Inspector General to investigate the ongoing dispute between the Sheriff’s deputies and the Sheriff’s Office administration. We believe that this action is a necessary step towards resolving the matter transparently, swiftly and fairly. However, this is only a patch on an issue that requires a long-term solution.

While we commend the Supervisors for taking action, we maintain that a more comprehensive solution is required to address issues of this nature. Fixin’ SMC’s proposed independent civilian oversight board and Inspector General would provide the permanent, transparent, and impartial oversight needed to effectively address conflicts and ensure accountability within law enforcement. With a permanent Inspector General established as Fixin’ SMC recommends, it will be the ideal mechanism to handle this situation and others like it, safeguarding public trust and enhancing the credibility of law enforcement operations.  A permanent Inspector General would be able to look more deeply and in context, providing proactive advice rather than merely reacting to crises.

“As advocates for a more accountable and transparent law enforcement system in San Mateo County, we recognize the value of swift investigations, but it is crucial to have lasting structures in place that prevent these conflicts from arising in the first place,” said Jim Lawrence, Fixin’ SMC Board Chair. “The independent civilian oversight board and Inspector General would offer continuous, objective oversight, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and that the public remains informed.”

Fixin’ SMC calls on the Board of Supervisors to establish the civilian oversight board and Inspector General as a lasting solution for promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement across San Mateo County.

About Fixin’ SMC

Fixin’ SMC is a community organization dedicated to independent civilian oversight of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. We strive to create a safer community and a more equitable environment for all residents through the transparency and accountability offered by civilian oversight.