California sheriff oversight

San Mateo County, California

Ken Binder, Sheriff 827 FTE (2024) $272.3M budget (FY 2023-24) $361/resident
Compare with similar counties · California average

status

Discussed at Board of Supervisors · 2022-11-01

In November 2022 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support sheriff's office oversight and directed staff and an ad hoc committee to return with a proposal involving an inspector general and a civilian board. The Board subsequently created an advisory commission without subpoena power or an inspector general, falling short of a full AB 1185 ordinance. Advocacy group Fixin' San Mateo County has submitted a draft ordinance, and the matter remains open.

Source: San Mateo joins California counties teaming up to push for sheriff's oversight

Staffing breakdown source: county master salary resolution FY 2024-25
Sworn officers 385 (47%)
Custody officers 164 (20%)
Civilian staff 278 (34%)
Total 827
Jail facilities source: BSCC Jail Profile Survey 2025
Facility Beds
Maguire Correctional Facility 704
Maple Steet Correctional Facility 704
SM Transitional Facility 88

Civil Grand Jury investigations (9)

The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury is required by Penal Code §919(b) to inquire annually into the condition of county jails, which the sheriff operates. Reports below investigate the sheriff's office, jails, deaths in custody, deputy conduct, or related matters. Sourced from civilgrandjury.org/san-mateo.

Statewide oversight reports on the sheriff or jails (10)

Reports from California state-level oversight bodies (auditors, inspectors, boards, and commissions) that mention San Mateo County in the context of the sheriff's office, jails, custody, deputies, or use-of-force.