Homicides, Assaults & Burglaries Down In 2024, SMC Sheriff Says

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office this week shared its report for the fiscal year, identifying a downward trend in several types of crime through the end of August.

The sheriff's office published a presentation of key takeaways alongside a letter to the community penned by Sheriff Christina Corpus.

"My annual report out to the Board of Supervisor[s] was previously scheduled for today but was canceled," the letter begins. "As Sheriff, I feel it is important to share this information with the public as I had intended to do today. The work we have and continue to do to safeguard our community is important."

Chief among the sheriff's highlights was no homicides reported so far this year, compared to eight recorded over the same timeframe last year. Corpus also pointed to statistics showing a 40 percent decline in aggravated assault, a 38 percent drop in stolen property cases, and a 23 percent reduction in cases involving stolen property.

"We attribute this notable decrease in violent crimes and property crime to our proactive policing strategies and strong community partnerships," Corpus wrote in the report. "While many other communities are seeing crime trends go in a different direction, our county is becoming safer."

The embattled sheriff has faced a flurry of calls for her resignation this year amid accusations she retaliated against staffers, used homophobic language, and granted too much power to her civilian chief of staff and alleged romantic partner.

Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to place a charter amendment on March ballots that could temporarily grant them the power to remove Corpus as sheriff.

Corpus has steadfastly refused calls for her resignation, denied wrongdoing and characterized the proposed charter amendment as "anti-democratic" and part of a "mean-spirited political scheme."