Faith in Action Bay Area Executive Director Lorena Melgarejo dedicated an hour of her Tuesday night to a private, unrecorded conversation with the community about immigration enforcement trends in San Mateo County and other safety tips.
In the news
This page contains news article for those interested in all facets of law enforcement oversight and reform. These articles span all states and cover police departments as well as Sheriff's departments. We're providing this information for those who wish to better understand why oversight is needed, the challenges it faces, and where and how it has improved the communities that have adopted it. News articles from external sources will open in a new tab.
John Alden Selected as Marin County’s First Inspector General
John Alden has been selected as Marin County’s first Inspector General, a newly established role that will provide independent oversight of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Civilian Oversight Commission.
Humboldt Supervisors Advance Proposal to Increase Civilian Oversight Over HCSO, Despite Pushback From Sheriff Honsal
The board voted 4-1, with First District Supervisor Rex Bohn dissenting, to form an ad hoc committee that will work with staff to research and develop an ordinance that would create a civilian-led oversight system that would operate independently, but report to the Board of Supervisors.
Court Orders California Sheriff to Release Personnel Records in Watchdog Investigation
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office must comply with subpoenas issued by the county’s civilian oversight board as part of a whistleblower investigation into alleged misconduct, a state appeals court ruled Thursday.
Ken Binder named new San Mateo County sheriff
Taking over a department rocked by back-to-back scandals, Binder said he would support recommendations from the county’s civilian oversight commission for reform and work with community groups such as Fixin’ San Mateo County, which has long advocated for an independent inspector general.
San Mateo County supervisors pick three finalists for sheriff after Corpus’ historic ouster
Thursday’s special meeting marked the start of the final phase of the selection process for a new sheriff. Supervisors narrowed the field from six qualified candidates to three finalists. The new sheriff will serve through 2028.
Fixin’ San Mateo County and other community leaders urge SMC Board of Supervisors to appoint a sheriff committed to transparency and accountability
San Mateo County, CA — As the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors prepares to appoint the next Sheriff, community members and civic organizations are calling on the Board to select a leader who embodies the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and public accountability.
The appointment of a new sheriff is a pivotal moment for the county. Residents have expressed a clear demand for reform, transparency in law enforcement practices, and stronger mechanisms for community oversight. The new sheriff must be prepared to engage the public openly, welcome independent review, and operate with full accountability to the people of San Mateo County.
“We need a sheriff who understands that public trust is earned through transparency and consistent engagement with the community,” said Jim Lawrence, Board Chair of Fixin’ SMC. “This appointment must reflect not only professional competence but a genuine commitment to equity, openness, and ethical leadership.”
Advocates are also urging the Board of Supervisors to utilize the authority granted under Assembly Bill 1185 (AB 1185), which enables counties to establish independent sheriff oversight boards and inspectors general. Implementing AB 1185 in conjunction with the new appointment would demonstrate the Board’s commitment to building lasting structures of accountability and independent oversight.
“This is a critical opportunity for the Board to set a new standard for transparency in San Mateo County,” said Nancy Goodban, Executive Director of Fixin’ SMC. “By pairing the appointment with an AB 1185 oversight mechanism, the Board can ensure that the Sheriff’s Office remains accountable to the community it serves.”
Community leaders emphasize that the Board’s decision will shape public confidence in law enforcement for years to come. The call is for a sheriff who reflects the county’s values—integrity, fairness, and service to all residents—and who will partner with the public to advance safety, trust, and justice.
Call to Action
We encourage all San Mateo County residents to participate by attending the public meetings, submitting comments, and voicing support for the adoption of AB 1185 oversight provisions. The future of fair and transparent law enforcement in our county depends on our collective engagement and insistence on integrity in leadership.
Media Contact
Jim Lawrence
Fixin’ San Mateo County
408-590-0429
jtlawrence94404@yahoo.com
San Mateo Co. supervisors move to appoint new sheriff by Nov. 13 after removing Christina Corpus
In a split decision, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors moved forward with the option to make a long-term appointment for the next sheriff during a special meeting Tuesday.
Tuesday’s meeting comes two weeks after the board unanimously ousted elected Sheriff Christina Corpus on Oct. 14. Undersheriff Dan Perea, who was hired by Corpus, has assumed the sheriff’s duties but won’t be elevated to the title of interim sheriff.
Judge once again denies Corpus’ bid to stop her firing
On October 28, a judge denied Christina Corpus’ latest attempt to be reinstated as sheriff after she was fired by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for corruption.
San Mateo County sheriff removed by supervisors, first time in California
To ensure lasting change, [Supervisor] Speier said she is “more and more convinced” the county needs a full-time, independent civilian inspector general — a reform long advocated by citizen groups amid the sheriff’s office’s history of scandal.