Today, the voters of San Mateo County took a historic step toward accountability and transparency in law enforcement. With the apparent passage of Measure A, the Board of Supervisors now has the authority to remove the county sheriff—ensuring that no one is above the law. This victory marks a turning point for our community, and we commend the residents of San Mateo County for demanding meaningful reform.
“This has been a long and difficult road, but the people have spoken. Now, our elected leaders must act without delay,” said Jim Lawrence, Board Chair of Fixin’ San Mateo County. “It is time for the Board of Supervisors to establish permanent, independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office—our community cannot afford further inaction.”
Fixin’ San Mateo County has led a broad coalition in pursuit of reform. Six local governments representing 60% of the county’s population endorsed our efforts, alongside more than 35 organizations advocating for stronger oversight. The county has paid out over $13 million in settlements related to misconduct in the past four years, with millions more in pending lawsuits and the costs of special elections. The status quo is unsustainable.
With Measure A’s passage, the Board of Supervisors has a mandate from the voters. They must immediately use their authority under AB 1185 to support and strengthen the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office (ICAC) and establish an independent Inspector General’s office which should work closely with ICAC. These mechanisms are essential for restoring public trust, ensuring transparency, and preventing future crises.
At the same time, Fixin’ San Mateo County remains steadfast in our support for the hardworking deputies who risk their lives to protect our community. True public safety requires both accountability and trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.
The time for discussion is over. The voters have made their will clear. We call on the Board of Supervisors to act now—our community’s future depends on it.