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.