Since 1853, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has provided law enforcement services for the unincorporated area of Alameda County and once operated two jails within the county.  The agency has undergone significant changes and has experienced many challenges throughout the years.  In the 20th century, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office began to modernize the institution of policing and expanded its reach throughout the county.  Several significant technological and training advances were achieved over the years, bringing favorable attention to the Sheriff’s Office.

 

These advancements in policing have continued, and now the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is regarded as one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office continues to ensure members are exceptionally trained and equipped law enforcement professionals who work in partnership with the community to produce safer communities for all.  The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that enforcement is necessary to protect communities from those who victimize others. Sworn members of the agency will continue to actively enforce the law and hold offenders accountable for their crimes.

 

Although the agency has made significant advances in many areas, it recognizes past and present harms committed against marginalized communities it serves.  Equitable enforcement practices will continue to be fostered throughout the agency in an effort to decrease instances that may contribute to further harm.  The election of Yesenia Sanchez as the 23rd Sheriff in Alameda County provides another opportunity for the agency to be a leader in the law enforcement profession as we transition into an era of greater diversity, collaboration, and transparency.