What Does a Sheriff Do? As the County Moves to Fill the Vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office, Here’s a Look at the Role

Redwood City -From patrols to jail operations, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office plays a central role in keeping communities safe from the Coastside to the Bay. That broad reach is a reminder of why selecting a new leader for the Sheriff's Office matters.

The Sheriff leads San Mateo County's largest law enforcement agency, overseeing more than 800 sworn personnel and professional staff. The Sheriff's Office assists local city police departments through its various specialty units and supports mutual-aid operations countywide to ensure public safety.

The Sheriff's Office:

• Serves as the local law enforcement agency in unincorporated areas, including the North Fair Oaks community and much of the coast. It also provides police services under contract to the cities of Half Moon Bay, Millbrae and San Carlos, the towns of Portola Valley and Woodside, and Caltrain and SamTrans.

• Operates San Mateo County's two adult correctional facilities, the Maguire Correctional Facility and the Maple Street Correctional Center.
• Assists local city police departments through various specialty units and supports mutual-aid operations countywide to ensure public safety.
• Manages specialized task forces that focus on addressing illegal narcotics, vehicle theft crimes, gang activity and more.
• Supports specialized volunteer units and oversees search and rescue operations.

California law requires that candidates for sheriff meet professional qualifications, including a combination of education and law enforcement experience.

Historical Roots
The Office of the Sheriff has existed in San Mateo County since 1856, the year the county was incorporated. Early sheriffs maintained order across largely rural farmland and coastal settlements, working out of Redwood City, the county seat. As the population grew, the role expanded to include jail operations, investigations and emergency coordination.

Selecting a New Sheriff
As the Board of Supervisors moves to appoint a new sheriff, residents are invited to take part in a transparent process that reflects the values of accountability and public trust. Candidate applications were due on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

A photo, bio, video and application materials from all qualified candidates are now posted online for public access at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.

On Thursday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m., the Board of Supervisors will conduct interviews of all qualified candidates and select finalists in a public meeting. On Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. a public candidate forum will feature a moderated Q&A session with the finalists, drawing from questions submitted by community members. Suggested questions are being accepted until Friday, Nov. 7 at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff

The process will culminate in the public interviews of finalists and a decision to select an appointed sheriff at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m.

Learn more and discover ways to participate at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.

Effie Milionis Verducci
Interim Director of Strategic Communications
650-407-4915
[email protected]