Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Subject: Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff's Office
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution establishing the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff's Office.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office operates the County jails and provides police services in unincorporated areas, as well as, under contract, several cities and towns within the County. Pursuant to Section 25303 of the Government Code, the Board of Supervisors has certain responsibilities related to the supervision of County Officers with respect to County functions related to assessing, collecting, safekeeping, management, or disbursement of public funds.
In 2021, section 25303.7 was added to the Government Code, codifying the Board of Supervisors' authority to utilize a commission or inspector general to assist it with that oversight of the Sheriff's Office. On September 13, 2022, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors established a subcommittee to consider Sheriff's Office Oversight.
On November 1, 2022, the Board held a study session on Sheriff's Office oversight at which staff and advocates reviewed models utilized by several California counties. At that time, there were seven such counties; now there are nine. Following the study session, the Subcommittee conducted additional work, which included consulting with persons with specific knowledge and expertise on oversight, reviewing State-level law enforcement reform legislation, performing extensive public outreach, and meeting with numerous stakeholders, including advocates for different oversight frameworks, the Sheriff's executive team, and the officers' unions representatives.
On October 24, 2023, the Board held a second study session at which staff, local and national experts, researche...
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