Stop the Scandal, a group of high school-aged interns within the public safety watchdog organization Fixin’ San Mateo County, delivered a petition to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors calling for the county to establish an independent inspector general for stronger oversight of the Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Guest opinion: We cannot afford to say no to independent sheriff oversight
An op-ed by Fixin’ San Mateo County Chair Jim Lawrence.
San Mateo County Democratic Party Endorses Creation of Inspector General for Sheriff’s Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2026
Democratic leaders cite years of controversy and the need for lasting accountability in overwhelming 21–1 vote
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — The San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee overwhelmingly voted 21–1 Thursday evening to endorse the creation of an independent inspector general to provide civilian oversight of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
The resolution calls on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to establish an inspector general empowered to conduct performance audits, review internal investigations, evaluate policies and practices, identify systemic issues, and issue public reports designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The endorsement comes after decades of controversy surrounding the Sheriff’s Office, culminating in the historic removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus following multiple independent investigations and findings of misconduct. Supporters say the County has an opportunity to ensure lasting accountability by creating an oversight structure that remains in place regardless of who serves as sheriff. Independent sheriff inspectors general/auditors operate in Bay Area counties of Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, as well as the counties of Los Angeles and San Diego.
Jim Lawrence, Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County, emphasized the financial impact the County has experienced in recent years. “It is time to put in guardrails. In four years, our county has paid out more than $13 million, and we are now facing over $48 million in new lawsuits, all related to the Sheriff’s Office.”
Supporters of the resolution say an Inspector General would not interfere with criminal investigations or the day-to-day responsibilities of deputies, but instead would provide independent oversight of policies, operations, and systemic issues while helping identify problems before they become crises.
“Our vote tonight reflects a simple principle: independent oversight strengthens good government, supports ethical law enforcement, and assures residents that concerns will be reviewed objectively and transparently. This is about creating an institution that serves the public long after today’s headlines have faded.”
— Karen Maki, Chair, San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee
Advocates also note that strong oversight benefits both residents and law enforcement professionals by increasing transparency, improving operational performance, reducing litigation risks, and reinforcing community confidence in one of the County’s most important public safety institutions.
“The events of the past several years have made one thing abundantly clear: accountability cannot depend on the character or leadership style of any one individual. It must be built into the structure of government itself. An inspector general will help ensure that transparency, integrity, and public trust remain permanent features of the Sheriff’s Office—not temporary priorities.”
— Nancy Goodban, Executive Director, Fixin’ San Mateo County
Supporters also say independent oversight is about ensuring that every resident – including young people – has confidence that concerns involving law enforcement will be addressed fairly and transparently.
“There are teenagers today that, unfortunately, do not feel safe around law enforcement because there appears to be no form of transparent recourse.”
— Asteris Ling, Carlmont High School Student
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is expected to continue considering proposals related to long-term oversight and accountability of the Sheriff’s Office in the coming months.
Oversight of sheriff’s offices affirmed by California Supreme Court
County governments in California can establish agencies to oversee their sheriff’s offices and obtain their records under a ruling affirmed Wednesday by the state Supreme Court.
Monterey Co.: Office Of Inspector General Will Provide Independent Oversight Of Sheriff’s Office
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is one step closer to having independent oversight after the county Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an inspector general position.
Comedian Says Deputies at San Mateo County Jail Humiliated Him, Broke Several Bones
Arab American actor and comedian Ahmed Ahmed has filed a lawsuit alleging deputies at a jail in San Mateo County caused serious injuries and attempted to pull down his pants while laughing at him, following an arrest at SFO last year for which he was never charged.
ICE rapid response director talks San Mateo County trends, resources
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.
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.