San Mateo Police Department

06/10/2026

We know we’ve been preaching about not drinking and driving, but we didn’t think we’d have to warn you all about the dangers of drinking and walking.

Drinking a bottle of vodka is going to impair you, and in this case the hard stuff convinced him it was safer to walk down the middle of El Camino than on the sidewalk.

It’s actually safer, and a whole lot healthier for you, to avoid alcohol. In excess, you lose control of your behavior and can’t guarantee you’ll be able to care for yourself.

The dangers of alcohol and drug use are real and have real consequences. If you or someone you care about has a problem with either, help is just a step away. has programs available.

06/10/2026

🚨Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at the San Mateo Police Department? Why or how we do what we do?

The San Mateo Community Police Academy offers residents an inside look at how your police department serves and works alongside the community to keep San Mateo safe.

This free 10-week program combines classroom instruction and hands-on learning led by San Mateo police officers and local law enforcement professionals. Participants will explore topics including:

• Traffic Stops & DUI Enforcement
• Criminal Investigations & Prosecution
• SWAT & Dispatch Services
• Crime Prevention & Crime Scene Investigations
• Police K-9 & Crime Reduction Unit
• Youth Services & Community Engagement
• Fi****ms Range & High-Tech Force Options Simulator
• And more!

Save the Date! The application period will open on June 23rd and close on July 17th. Applications will be found here, https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4415/Community-Police-Academy.

📍 Location: San Mateo Police Department, 200 Franklin Parkway
📅 Duration: 10 weeks (weekly from Sept. 17 - Nov. 19)
🕡 When: Thursdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
👥 Space is limited to 25 participants

Eligibility:
✔ Must be 18 years or older
✔ Live or work in the City of San Mateo
✔ Citizenship is not required, immigration status is not a factor

Participants will undergo a background investigation before acceptance due to access to restricted law enforcement areas and information. Submittal of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

We are looking for community minded individuals who can take back what they learn and share with neighbors, family, and friends to help provide context into policing. We guarantee you'll discover it's not everything you hear about or see on tv. Join us for a memorable and rewarding experience, gain a better understanding of modern policing, meet the people who serve our community, and learn skills you can apply in your everyday life.

There is no maximum age limit or physical requirements, as you are not going through an actual police academy. We promise no pushups or climbing 6ft walls. This community academy is not intended for those interested in law enforcement as a career path. Instead it is meant to broaden community awareness.

Questions? Email Jeanine Luna at [email protected]

06/09/2026

San Mateo Police Department Partners with Pocketalk to Deploy Real-Time Translation Technology

The San Mateo Police Department has partnered with Pocketalk to deploy real-time language translation tools across our entire uniformed force, equipping officers with the ability to communicate instantly and accurately with residents and visitors in more than 92 languages.

The department has signed on for 130 enterprise app licenses, one for every uniformed officer, as well as 5 handheld Pocketalk devices to be distributed throughout the department to include Dispatch and our Records Unit. The deployment also includes Ventana, Pocketalk's centralized administrative panel. A training program is already underway to bring every officer up to speed on the technology.

Officers will use the Pocketalk Enterprise App on their department-issued mobile devices for one-on-one, voice and text field communication, supported by handheld devices for situations requiring a dedicated translation tool. Ventana provides department administrators with device management capabilities, usage reporting and translation insights.

Pocketalk's translation technology is powered by Prism Language Systems, the company's proprietary translation engine, which draws on multiple AI language models to deliver accurate, real-time translations across 92-plus languages, including localized dialects and slang. The platform is compliant with HIPAA and GDPR and meets enterprise-grade security standards, ensuring sensitive conversations remain private and are never stored by default.

This technology is designed to serve as an optional communication aid for officers in the field and is not a replacement for existing investigative or certified translation services available to the department.

By helping officers communicate more effectively with people of all backgrounds, Pocketalk supports the San Mateo Police Department’s commitment to public safety, community trust, and equitable service. Improved communication can help officers better understand critical information, assist victims and witnesses, and strengthen investigations, while ensuring all members of our community have a voice when interacting with law enforcement.

06/08/2026

Thank you to for capturing our officers assisting a man choking yesterday at the 🎡. Officer Ng was able to give the Heimlich maneuver to the subject who was participating in a watermelon eating contest 🍉. Thankfully the stuck piece of watermelon dislodged and the contestant went on to enjoy the rest of the contest.

Never thought we’d have to give this kind of advice, but with summer approaching and the consumption of this delicious treat sure to happen as it heats up, be cautious and don’t bite off more than you can chew.

06/08/2026

You're welcome. Glad we could be of assistance.

Proactive Patrols Lead to Stolen Vehicle Recovery

Shortly after midnight on Saturday, deputies with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office were proactively patrolling unincorporated Redwood City when they were alerted to a stolen vehicle through an automated license plate reader (ALPR).

A short time later, deputies observed the vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 101 near Hillsdale Boulevard in San Mateo and confirmed it had been reported stolen out of Sunnyvale in May 2026.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, deputies used a pursuit intervention technique to safely disable the stolen vehicle.

The driver, a 16-year-old juvenile male suspect from Redwood City, fled on foot but was taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into the San Mateo County Youth Services Center on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for public safety and possession of burglary tools.

This case highlights the effectiveness of proactive patrols, interagency collaboration and ALPR technology in supporting public safety. Thank you to the San Mateo Police Department for assisting with this investigation.

06/07/2026

We heard the Fair is in town. Will we see you there?

06/06/2026

A couple lanes of southbound El Camino Real were shut down shortly while Public Safety 🚒🚔 responded to a solo motorcycle crash when the rider downed his motorcycle after swerving and losing control. The motorcyclist was transported to a hospital for his injuries. (The ambulance in the video is unrelated.)

This incident caused a slight backup on ECR near the mall while the investigation took place. As does any collision post we make, this serves as a good reminder to horizon drive, drive at a speed appropriate for conditions, watch for merging vehicles, and leave enough distance between you and the car in front of you as a buffer for reaction time.

06/05/2026

Today, our officers arrested an individual on charges related to possession of co***ne. We want to take this opportunity to remind our community of the growing danger fentanyl poses. Illegal drugs are increasingly being contaminated with fentanyl, often without the user's knowledge, and because fentanyl is extremely potent, even a small amount can be deadly.

Enforcement is only part of the solution. Education, prevention, and access to treatment are critical to addressing substance abuse and preventing overdose deaths.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available through San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Call (800) 686-0101 for information, treatment referrals, and support. In a crisis, call or text 988.

One conversation, one intervention, or one phone call can save a life.

06/05/2026

Zero Tolerance for Fireworks in San Mateo

As we approach the 4th of July, the San Mateo Police Department reminds everyone that all fireworks are illegal in the City of San Mateo, including those commonly marketed as "Safe and Sane."

The video attached was captured during last year's 4th of July celebrations and serves as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous fireworks can be when used in residential neighborhoods. What may seem like a few minutes of fun can quickly turn into a devastating fire, a life changing injury, or a tragedy for families, pets, and first responders.

Fireworks pose serious risks to our community, including:

• Fires that can spread rapidly to homes, vehicles, and open spaces
• Severe injuries such as burns, lacerations, and permanent disabilities
• Extreme stress and trauma for pets, often causing them to run away
• Property damage affecting homes, vehicles, and personal belongings
• Increased demand on emergency services, pulling resources away from other critical calls

San Mateo has a zero tolerance policy for fireworks violations. Anyone found possessing, using, or discharging fireworks may be cited, fined, and could face criminal charges.

We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly and leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. Together, we can help prevent fires, injuries, and unnecessary emergencies while keeping our neighborhoods safe.

If you see illegal fireworks activity, please report it. For non-emergency police assistance, call 650 522 7700.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday, San Mateo.

06/05/2026

Our DFR Team (Drones as First Responders) picked up 2 new R10 interior drones today. These new patrol drones can be deployed by a pilot in the field but also from our Real Time Information Center (RTIC). The cool new spotlights make them great for low light situations.