San Mateo County is facing at least $48 million in current lawsuits—and we’ve already paid $13.4 million since 2022—all due to misconduct in the Sheriff’s Office.
Since 2021, the Coalition for a Safer San Mateo County has highlighted the need for an inspector general, and a county commission has also recommended one. The time has come for our government to act.
A permanent need requires a permanent solution.
What does an inspector general do?
Monitor jail and patrol operations, including health services for incarcerated people.
Investigate deaths in custody, excessive use of force, and complaints from residents and Sheriff’s Office employees — confidentially.
Review use of force patterns, misconduct allegations, and the quality of internal audits.
Audit the Sheriff’s Office operations independently and regularly.
Recommend policy and procedural improvements to the Sheriff’s Office.
Communicate findings to the public through reports, a public website, and town halls.
This solution is not unique. In 2020, California state law set the template. And we’re one of the few Bay Area counties that does not have an inspector general.
We are launching a campaign to show our elected officials the urgent need for an inspector general in San Mateo County. Follow along with us at @stopthescandals on Instagram and sign up for our mailing list to stay informed.
Stay informed
Subscribing will sign you up for email updates from Fixin’ San Mateo County about Stop the Scandals and the campaign for transparency and accountability in our Sheriff’s Office. We will not use your contact information for any other purpose. We will not give or sell your information to any other organization.
Stop The Scandals is a student-led initiative of Fixin’ San Mateo County.
