San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

What San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office does

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is a government law enforcement agency headquartered in Redwood City, California, founded in 1856 and operating under the governance of the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors. The Office delivers core public-safety services — patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil enforcement, transit policing, and forensic laboratory services — to approximately 740,000 county residents across unincorporated areas covering more than 70% of county geography, plus five contracted municipalities (Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos, Portola Valley, Woodside) and the Caltrain and SamTrans transit districts. It operates two correctional facilities (Maguire Correctional Facility and Maple Street Correctional Center), six substations across the county, and the Siebel Firearms Range serving 24 law enforcement agencies. Specialized units include the Transit Police Bureau, S.F.I.A./Cargo Theft Task Force, Gang Intelligence Unit, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and HIDTA drug trafficking program.

The agency's technology stack centers on conventional law-enforcement operational systems: ALPR cameras (Flock Safety) deployed county-wide, an ArcGIS-based Transparency Portal with crime data and performance dashboards, the Smart Jail Mail electronic communication system for inmates, Coplogic/DORS online crime reporting, Lexipol for policy management and Daily Training Bulletins training delivery, Citizen RIMS for crime statistics, Project 529 for bicycle registration, and Permitium for CCW permit processing. Community-facing digital services include online crime reporting, inmate locator, video visitation, and transparency portals. The Office maintains specialized programs including Project Guardian (voluntary registry for vulnerable and special-needs individuals), Citizens Police Academy, C.A.R.O.N. neighborhood outreach, Sheriff's Activities League youth programs, and an array of in-custody rehabilitation programs (JobTrain, Five Keys education, T.A.I.L.S. animal training, S-PEP, conflict resolution).

The Office is funded primarily through a $254 million annual operating budget (FY 2023-2024) from county tax revenue, supplemented by contract law enforcement service fees from cities and transit districts, civil enforcement fees ranging from $45 to $2,000 per service (evictions, levies, keeper levies, bench warrants), vehicle release fees, and inmate commissary revenue through partnerships with Keefe Commissary and Access Corrections. The agency employs 800+ sworn and professional staff across its operations. As a government entity, the Office is not subject to commercial funding rounds, M&A, or shareholder returns; instead, leadership continuity is determined by election or Board of Supervisors appointment, with the November 2025 appointment of Kenneth Binder as the 27th Sheriff following the for-cause removal of his predecessor signaling governance volatility that flows through to operational stability and political risk concentration.

Name

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

Legal name

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

Website

https://smcsheriff.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1856

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is a government law enforcement agency providing patrol, corrections, civil enforcement, and transit policing services to approximately 740,000 residents across unincorporated San Mateo County, five contract cities, and two transit districts under a $254 million annual operating budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Services

NAICS

Police Protection (92212), Correctional Institutions (922140), Parole Offices and Probation Offices (92215)

akta.pro primary industry

Police Services (Patrol, Response & Community Policing) (BPAIAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

State/Provincial Corrections, Probation & Parole Administration (BPAIABAF), Correctional/Detention Facility Health Departments (HLAJAAAH)

Keywords

• Law enforcement services
• Correctional facility operations
• Civil enforcement services
• Transit policing services
• Public safety patrols

Headquarters

HQ city

Redwood City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Safety Services: Core government services funded through county tax revenues and budget allocations. Services include patrol, investigations, corrections, and community policing.
2. Contract Law Enforcement Services: Contract services provided to cities (Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos), towns (Portola Valley, Woodside), and transit districts (Caltrain, SamTrans). Revenue comes from service contracts.
3. Civil Enforcement Fees: Fees collected for civil process services including evictions, levies, writs, and property seizures. Fee schedule includes amounts ranging from $45 to $2,000 depending on service type.
4. Vehicle Release Fees: Fees for vehicle release from impound, amounts vary by impound location, paid with cash or credit card.
5. Inmate Services: Commissary services through partnership with Keefe Commissary; money deposit services via Access Corrections.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is a county government law enforcement agency providing patrol services across unincorporated areas and contract cities (Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos, Portola Valley, Woodside), transit policing for Caltrain and SamTrans, two adult correctional facilities (Maguire Correctional Facility and Maple Street Correctional Center), civil enforcement services, investigations, community engagement programs, and specialized units including forensic laboratory, search and rescue, gang and narcotics task forces.

Product overview

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office provides comprehensive public safety and correctional services as a government law enforcement agency. The organization operates a platform of core law enforcement services including Patrol Services (with five specialized bureaus covering different geographic areas and transit systems), two correctional facilities (Maguire Correctional Facility and Maple Street Correctional Center), and Civil Enforcement Bureau. Supporting modules include Online Crime Reporting, Vehicle Releases, and Property/Evidence Services. The office also offers specialized programs such as Project Guardian for vulnerable populations, Inmate Programs (education, vocational training, and rehabilitation), and Religious Services through partnerships. Public-facing transparency tools include the Transparency Portal and Crime Data Portal. The organization serves unincorporated areas of the county and contract cities including Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos, Portola Valley, and Woodside.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Patrol Services Law enforcement patrol services covering over 70% of San Mateo County in unincorporated areas and contracted cities/towns, organized into five bureaus: Headquarters Patrol Bureau, Coastside Patrol Bureau, San Carlos Police Bureau, Transit Police Bureau, and Millbrae Police Bureau. Services include emergency response, traffic enforcement, investigations, and community policing.
• Maguire Correctional Facility Adult detention facility located at 300 Bradford Street, Redwood City. Provides inmate housing, in-person and video visitation, mail services, commissary, bail processing, and rehabilitation programming.
• Maple Street Correctional Center LEED-certified adult correctional facility providing incarceration and rehabilitation services for male and female inmates, with access to educational, vocational, and program services aimed at reducing recidivism.
• Online Crime Reporting Electronic crime reporting system (Coplogic/DORS) allowing citizens to file reports for non-emergency incidents including abandoned vehicles, harassing phone calls, lost property, mail theft, vehicle tampering, theft, vandalism, and vacation house watch requests.
• Vehicle Release Services Vehicle impound release processing at Redwood City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, and San Carlos locations. Registered owners with valid ID must provide license plate or case number and pay applicable fees by cash or credit card.
• Civil Enforcement Bureau Civil process serving and enforcement services working with civil courts. Services include evictions ($180), till-tap ($125), keeper levies ($300 8-hour / $1,200 48-hour), bench warrant civil contempt ($175), auto levy ($2,000), personal property ($1,500), real property ($2,000), and bank/3rd party levies ($50). The Bureau acts as a neutral party executing court orders.
• Property and Evidence Services Evidence and property management including receiving, storing, and maintaining integrity of evidence, found property, and safekeeping. Also provides LiveScan fingerprinting services and property auctions through PropertyRoom.com.
• Missing Persons Unit Investigation and public outreach for missing persons cases. Maintains a photo database of missing persons and coordinates with law enforcement agencies. Anonymous tip line available for reporting information.
• Firearms Services Firearms destruction for unwanted firearms, ammunition, or explosives. Also provides firearms safekeeping for compliance with protective orders (180-day safekeeping) or General Notice of Firearm Prohibition (30-day safekeeping).
• Project Guardian Voluntary registry program launched in 2024 where individuals, families, or caregivers can register vulnerable, at-risk, or special needs individuals (including those with autism) with the Sheriff's Office. Participants provide communication preferences, triggers, special concerns, and calming strategies along with photographs and emergency contact information.
• PREA Compliance Program Prison Rape Elimination Act compliance program with zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. Multiple reporting channels include hotline, email, in-person, and third-party reporting. Annual audit reports are published for both correctional facilities.
• Inmate Rehabilitation and Education Programs Comprehensive inmate programming including cognitive behavioral programs (Enneagram Prison Project, Conflict Transformation, Anger Management), education/literacy programs (Five Keys, Stanford Prison Education Project, HiSET preparation), vocational programs (Job Readiness, T.A.I.L.S. animal training, Culinary Programs, Project Build construction), and activity programs (Mindfulness, Yoga).
• Religious Services for Inmates Religious services provided through Service League partnership ensuring RLUIPA compliance. Includes religious diets, materials, readings, meetings with providers, baptisms, weddings, and grief counseling. Over 100 approved faith-based volunteers serve the correctional facilities.
• Transit Police Bureau Contract law enforcement for Caltrain (Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board) and SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District). Provides policing presence at stations, vehicles, and facilities across three counties, including passenger safety, fare enforcement, and incident response.
• Forensic Laboratory Services Forensic laboratory services supporting investigations across the Sheriff's Office and partner agencies. Part of the multi-jurisdictional division.

Quantifiable outcome

• Religious services provided to approximately 687 incarcerated persons monthly on average
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration15 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Service League of San Mateo CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit agency developing, coordinating, and delivering in-custody programs, services, and activities for inmates in all San Mateo County jails and their families for over 50 years. Provides religious services, hope programs, domestic violence classes, parenting classes, and mindfulness programs.
• Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Conflict Transformation and Anger Management programming for inmates through skill development using theory, discussion, and practice-based exercises rooted in conflict resolution and restorative practices.
• Peninsula Humane SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the T.A.I.L.S. (Transitioning Animals into Loving Situations) program where dogs with questionable adoption potential live with inmates for training, grooming, exercise and socialization.
• JobTraincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner providing Job Readiness and Success Coaching, Men's Culinary Program, and Project Build construction training for inmates and former inmates.
• Five Keys Schools and ProgramscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccredited education provider offering adult education programs in correctional settings focused on the Five Keys: Education, Employment, Recovery, Family, and Community. WASC accredited.
• Stanford Prison Education Project (S-PEP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStanford University graduate students deliver educational experiences and facilitate book groups for inmates at San Mateo County Jails.
• San Mateo County Office of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides HiSet (High School Equivalency) tutoring and preparation program to assist incarcerated adults in obtaining California High School Equivalency Certificates.
• American Association of University Women (AAUW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides vocabulary improvement programming for incarcerated individuals.
• Coyote Point Rifle and Pistol ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate organization sharing use of the Siebel Firearms Range facility, exemplifying dual-use community partnership for law enforcement training and public recreational shooting.
• South Bay Regional Training ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining consortium utilizing the Siebel Firearms Range for law enforcement qualification and training alongside 17+ other agencies.
• Boy Scouts of America - Explorer ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw Enforcement Explorer Post 810 and Search and Rescue Unit Post 830 providing young volunteers who assist with community functions and rescue operations.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)coreTechnology or IntegrationJoint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) participation and Cargo Theft Task Force (AIRCATS) collaboration for investigation of crimes at San Francisco International Airport and cargo theft prevention.
• Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC)coreTechnology or IntegrationMulti-jurisdictional fusion center providing intelligence sharing and coordination across regional law enforcement agencies for counterterrorism and criminal intelligence.
• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)coreTechnology or IntegrationNorthern California HIDTA program providing resources and coordination for drug trafficking investigations and enforcement operations.
• California Highway PatrolcoreTechnology or IntegrationJoint operations including traffic enforcement in Santa Cruz Mountains and collaborative public safety responses across jurisdictions.
• MED-ProjectminorOthersProducer-funded organization dedicated to responsible medicine disposal implementing San Mateo County's Safe Medicine Ordinance with kiosk drop-off locations throughout the county.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office: Neighboring Bay Area county sheriff's office providing comparable patrol, corrections, and contract municipal law enforcement services to cities and unincorporated areas within Santa Clara County. Closest operational analog by geography, scale, and scope.
• San Francisco County Sheriff's Office: City-and-county sheriff's office providing jail operations, court security, and law enforcement for San Francisco. Comparable in running county-level detention plus municipal policing under unified leadership.
• Alameda County Sheriff's Office: Bay Area sheriff's office operating patrol, corrections, and court services across unincorporated Alameda County plus contract cities. Directly comparable in mission, services, and contract-driven revenue model.
• San Diego County Sheriff's Office: Large California county sheriff's office delivering patrol, investigations, and corrections plus contract municipal policing to multiple cities. Comparable full-service county sheriff operating model.
• Marin County Sheriff's Office: Adjacent Northern California county sheriff's office ranked as the only California urban county safer than San Mateo County, providing patrol, corrections, and contract services to multiple municipalities.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department: Largest sheriff's department in the United States, providing patrol, corrections, and contract municipal services across Los Angeles County. Comparable in service portfolio and contract municipal model at much greater scale.
• Sacramento County Sheriff's Office: California county sheriff's office operating patrol, corrections, and contract law enforcement for cities within Sacramento County. Similar mid-sized California county sheriff profile and contract revenue structure.
• Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office: Bay Area sheriff's office providing patrol, investigations, and corrections services for unincorporated Contra Costa County and contract cities. Directly analogous service mix and contract-driven revenue structure.

Broad incumbents

• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: State-level agency overseeing adult and juvenile correctional institutions across California. Overlaps with SMCSO corrections operations but operates at state-wide scale rather than county jurisdiction.
• California Highway Patrol: Statewide law enforcement agency providing traffic enforcement and broader policing support. Partners with SMCSO on joint operations but operates as a broader public safety incumbent across all California jurisdictions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SMCSheriff
• Facebookfacebook.com/SMCSheriff
• Instagraminstagram.com/smcsheriff/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-mateo-county-sheriffs

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office