Adam Oberdorfer

Assistant Sheriff Adam Oberdorfer joined the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in 2005 after several years working in private-sector public safety. Born and raised in the Monterey Bay Area, he aspired to serve the community as a police officer from a young age. Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer began his career working in Headquarters Patrol as Deputy Sheriff, serving the areas of East Side, Central (Burbank), South County, and Parks. Early on, he distinguished himself as a leader on his team and became a Field Training Officer, fostering his passion for mentoring and developing others.

As a Sergeant, Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer served as the Court Training Program Coordinator in the Court Services Division before transitioning to West Valley Patrol as a Patrol Supervisor. His expertise and passion for training led to his selection as the Field Training Program Coordinator, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing the training programs, integrating technology solutions for the office, and spearheading positive culture initiatives, including Below 100 and Blue Courage for the Sheriff's Office.

Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer served as a Patrol Watch Commander and Chief of Staff for Administration as a Lieutenant before his promotion to Captain in 2020, where he led the Training and Professional Development Division. He managed a multi-bureau team in that role, driving initiatives to enhance agency-wide training programs, strengthen organizational culture and leadership, and modernize enforcement and custody operations. His efforts focused on improving contemporary equipment, integrating technology, advancing professional development and training, and fostering staff wellness and resiliency.

Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California Southern University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He graduated from the POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, POST Command College, POST Executive Development, and the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police. He has been a subject matter expert in strategic communications and field training program supervision for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). He has also been published in the International Association of Chiefs of Police Magazine.

Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer is privileged to lead the Enforcement Bureau, where he remains committed to advancing public safety, strengthening community partnerships, and driving innovation and best practices within the Sheriff's Office. With a focus on proactive policing and evidence-based strategic initiatives, he is dedicated to enhancing service delivery, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the highest standards of professionalism in policing Santa Clara County.