Public Safety & Jail Reform

Safe communities start with safe, properly staffed systems. Today, the Sheriff’s Department faces over 1,400 deputy vacancies, forcing 75% of the workforce to do 100% of the job. This chronic understaffing puts our neighborhoods at risk and prevents our jails from operating safely—endangering our community, inmates, and deputies alike.

We cannot expect better outcomes—more safety checks, stronger oversight, and improved care—without first fixing staffing. The current system is stretched beyond its limits, leading to burnout, preventable failures, and unsafe conditions.

As your next Supervisor, I will work closely with the Sheriff to:

• Fill vacancies and improve recruitment and retention

• Restore safe staffing levels in our communities and jails

• Support deputies with balanced workloads and resources

• Expand mental health and substance abuse services

• Ensure accountability through transparency and oversight

Real reform means strengthening staffing first—because without it, public safety and jail safety simply cannot function.