San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

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The first Sheriff of San Mateo County took office in 1856 when the County was incorporated from parts of San Francisco and Santa Cruz Counties. As the chief law enforcement officer, the Sheriff is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the Sheriff's Office, including adult correctional facilities, rehabilitation, and re-entry services for of

fenders; public safety and emergency services; forensic laboratory services and specialized programs, such as narcotics, search and rescue, and bomb detection and disposal. The Sheriff and his Office coordinate assigned activities with other County departments and outside agencies, as well, and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the County Manager and Board of Supervisors.

Today, we recognize and celebrate the hard work of all members of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, both sworn and ...
09/07/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate the hard work of all members of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, both sworn and professional staff, who serve our communities.

Their commitment to public safety and dedication to excellence make a meaningful difference every day.

To everyone who makes San Mateo County a great place to live, work and visit, we wish you a safe and happy Labor Day!

09/02/2026

An Academy Milestone ⭐️

Our nine Deputy Sheriff Trainees in South Bay Regional Academy Class #191 recently completed their mid-term uniform inspections, marking the halfway point of their academy journey.

A longstanding tradition in policing, the inspection gives our Sheriff’s Office team an opportunity to check in with trainees, recognize how far they’ve come and reinforce the professionalism, discipline and attention to detail expected of those who wear the badge.

We’re proud to see one of our largest academy classes progressing and we look forward to supporting them through the second half of the academy!

Suspect Arrested in Series of Bicycle Thefts from Caltrain Deputies with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office on Monday...
09/02/2026

Suspect Arrested in Series of Bicycle Thefts from Caltrain

Deputies with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office on Monday arrested a suspect in connection with nearly a dozen bicycle thefts from Caltrain over a three-month period.

Between May and August 2026, deputies responded to 10 separate reports of bicycle thefts from Caltrain.

Deputies began an investigation into the thefts and, with assistance from video provided by Caltrain from inside the train, identified the suspect as 28-year-old Jesus S. Molina-Barajas of East Palo Alto. Molina-Barajas was arrested in September 2025 in connection with a previous bicycle theft.

Deputies obtained an arrest warrant and on August 31 located Molina-Barajas at a hotel in Hayward, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Molina-Barajas was subsequently arrested and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on multiple counts of PC 487(a) – Grand Theft of Personal Property and PC 484(a) – Petty Theft.

The Sheriff’s Office is contracted by Caltrain to provide policing services along the transit corridor, which serves passengers from San Francisco to Gilroy.

According to Caltrain, the transit agency supports approximately 1.8 million bicycle trips each year. The Sheriff’s Office works collaboratively with Caltrain to deter bicycle thefts and encourages community members to report suspicious activity by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911.

08/30/2026

Prepared, ready to assist and committed to public safety.

This morning, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance from the East Palo Alto Police Department after a dangerous suspect fled from them on foot. The suspect then entered the San Francisco Bay, not far from Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto.

Sheriff’s deputies and three Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams quickly answered the call. With deputies positioned along the shore and a CHP helicopter providing aerial support, East Palo Alto police officers safely took the suspect into custody aboard Menlo Park Fire Protection District’s boat.

This was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies — all committed to working together to protect our community.

Yesterday, we proudly recognized six Sheriff’s Office team members for their years of dedication and service, including ...
08/26/2026

Yesterday, we proudly recognized six Sheriff’s Office team members for their years of dedication and service, including one extraordinary achievement: 30 years of service to San Mateo County. ⭐️

Congratulations to Correctional Officer Lal (30 years), Correctional Officer Jones (20 years), Supervising Criminalist Richardson (20 years), Detective Baltazar (10 years), Correctional Officer Craighead (10 years) and Detective Dimaya (10 years).

Sheriff Binder joined County of San Mateo - Government leaders and members of the Sheriff’s Office team in honoring these meaningful achievements and recognizing each employee’s role in carrying forward our tradition of excellence and service to the community.

Please join us in celebrating these dedicated team members and their well-earned milestones! 🥳

08/25/2026

Civics 101 Academy covers the full picture of how the County of San Mateo serves the community across nine free weekly sessions: public health, human services, the justice system, elections, parks, libraries, county finances and more. Classes start September 2 at Manzanita Hall in Redwood City. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Apply now: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/civics-101-academy

Introducing Deputy Sheriff Cornett! ⭐ Earlier today, Deputy Cornett graduated from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office ...
08/24/2026

Introducing Deputy Sheriff Cornett! ⭐

Earlier today, Deputy Cornett graduated from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office 186th Academy.

Sheriff Binder, Assistant Sheriff Monaghan and members of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office team were there to congratulate him on reaching this important milestone in his public safety journey.

During the 28-week academy, Deputy Cornett demonstrated tremendous hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.

With the academy behind him, Deputy Cornett will soon enter the next phase of his training, the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. Under the guidance of experienced deputies, he will continue to build his skills, apply his training in real-world settings and prepare to become a solo beat deputy.

Congratulations, Deputy Cornett! 🎉

Our Motorcycle Deputies were out and about today! 🏍️ Keeping our roads safe is a daily focus for our Patrol Deputies an...
08/21/2026

Our Motorcycle Deputies were out and about today! 🏍️

Keeping our roads safe is a daily focus for our Patrol Deputies and Motorcycle Unit. With many schools back in session and summer coming to a close, it's a good time for a quick safety reminder:

* Put the phone down
* Look out for other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians
* Slow down

Our work is about more than enforcement. It’s also about educating and engaging with our community to promote safer choices and help prevent crashes before they happen.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or walking to your destination, we all play a part in keeping our roads and communities safe.

California Office of Traffic Safety

In memory of K-9 Gaston 💙 11/24/2013 to 08/20/2026 We are deeply saddened to share that retired K-9 Gaston was laid to r...
08/20/2026

In memory of K-9 Gaston 💙 11/24/2013 to 08/20/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that retired K-9 Gaston was laid to rest earlier today at the age of 12.

Gaston proudly served with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office from 2015 to 2021 alongside his partner, Sgt. Geoff Hoffman.

Specializing in EOD detection and patrol, Gaston was a dual-purpose K-9 whose partnership with Sgt. Hoffman helped pave the way as one of the agency’s first bomb technicians to work simultaneously with a K-9 partner.

During his career with the Sheriff’s Office, Gaston participated in several dignitary protection details, played a key role in ensuring public safety during the 2016 Super Bowl and supported patrol operations through numerous successful tracks that resulted in safe apprehensions. He was also a fan favorite at community events and public demonstrations.

Beyond his work, Gaston was a spitfire with a personality all his own. He loved his ball and his Greenies treats.

In retirement, Gaston loved going for rides, treating every car ride as though he were back in his patrol car. He also enjoyed “training” the Hoffmans’ puppy, who eventually became his best friend.

Rest in peace, Gaston. Thank you for your service, your dedication and for being an all-around “good boy.” You will be greatly missed.

Some calls for service require a little extra horsepower. 🐂Tuesday evening, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies r...
08/20/2026

Some calls for service require a little extra horsepower. 🐂

Tuesday evening, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist the California Highway Patrol with a large bull running loose along Highway 35. After hours of attempts to corral the animal, which had traveled several miles and created a serious hazard for motorists and first responders, deputies knew they needed specialized help.

That’s where Half Moon Bay community member Samuel Ramos Palomino came in.

Samuel, a foreman at Sea Horse Ranch with 35 years of experience working with large animals, was asleep when deputies reached out shortly after midnight. Despite having to be at work at 4 a.m., he immediately got up, prepared his truck and livestock trailer, and came to help.

What followed was no easy task. Samuel worked alongside Sheriff’s Office deputies and CHP officers as they followed the bull for several miles, making repeated attempts to lasso it.

Eventually, the team secured the bull, and Samuel used his expertise to safely load it into his trailer. He went one step further, providing a secure location for the bull until it could be returned home at daybreak.

By the time the job was done, it was around 2:30 a.m.—about 90 minutes before Samuel had to get up for work.

Samuel’s actions likely prevented a serious collision or injury on Highway 35 and protected nearby community members, first responders and the bull.

Yesterday, Coastside Patrol Bureau Captain Allen and Half Moon Bay City Manager Chidester met with Samuel in person to convey their appreciation. Public safety is a partnership, and sometimes our community members answer the call in extraordinary ways.

Samuel, thank you for answering ours. Your skill, courage, and willingness to help made the Coastside a safer place that night.

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Redwood City, CA

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+16503634911

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