Sheriff

San Mateo County is accepting applications for qualified candidates interested in being appointed as Sheriff

1. Qualifications Declaration- Click here to download the Qualifications Declaration -Please print sign and upload the signed document as an attachment to your application
2. Resume
3. Head shot and professional bio (no more than 200 words)
4. Cover Letter- (no more than 4 pages long and addresses the following questions):
   1. What qualifications knowledge and experience do you possess that will allow you to successfully serve as the San Mateo County Sheriff
   2. What values and principles guide your leadership philosophy
   3. What would be your three highest priorities as Sheriff
   4. Why is serving as Sheriff important to you
   5. Describe your experience managing a large and complex budget. Please specify the size and scope of that budget.
   6. Describe your experience and/or philosophies around operating correctional facilities.
5. Responses to the following required supplemental questions:
   1. Do you presently reside in San Mateo County
   2. How long have you resided in San Mateo County
   3. Describe how you satisfy the requirements of Government Code Section 24004.3.
   4. Describe your experience leading a law enforcement agency including but not limited to managing a large staff of peace officers and civilians and leading coalitions across jurisdictions.
6. Once you submit your online application materials please email a personal video- (no more than 2 minute video). The video must be received by November 5 2025 at 12:00 p.m. PST
   1. The video content should include:
      1. Introducing yourself
      2. Describing why you want to be appointed as the Sheriff for San Mateo County
   2. The video must be emailed to

   3. Video Specifications:

      • Duration: Maximum 2 minutes
      • File Size: Up to 100 MB
      • Accepted Formats: .mp4 .mov or .wmv
      • Orientation: Record in landscape (horizontal) mode with clear audio and good lighting.
      • File name: 4
        (Example: 4)

   4. Before emailingplease review your video before submitting to confirm it plays properly on multiple devices and audio/video are synchronized.
      
      By submitting your application you certify that you meet the legal qualifications for the Sheriff positionor will meet the legal qualifications by November 12 2025 and affirm under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all of the information submitted is true and correct.

Knowledge of:

• Management principles and practices including options for use of human fiscal and material resources.
• Principles and practices of modern law enforcement administration and criminal investigation.
• County and state ordinances and laws codes and court decisions.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision training and performance evaluation.

• Plan organize direct and control the administration and operations of the Sheriffs Department.
• Develop and implement department policies and procedures.
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with appropriate laws regulations and policies.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with elected officials other officials departments and employees of other agencies.
• Successfully develop control and administer departmental budget and expenditures.
• Analyze problems identify alternative solution project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply County policies procedures rules and regulations.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Supervise train and evaluate assigned personnel.

• Must be a resident of San Mateo County.
• Must meet the requirements of Government Code Section 24004.3 identifying the qualifications for the Office of Sheriff.

Applicants must successfully pass the application screening to move forward to the interview process.All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process.

Recruitment Timeline