Office of the Sheriff

The Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff, established in 1850, holds the distinction of being one of California’s oldest law enforcement agencies. As the primary law enforcement authority in the County of Santa Clara, it oversees an area spanning approximately 1,300 square miles. The Sheriff’s responsibilities are outlined in various state and local codes. For example, Government Code Sections 26600–26602 mandate that the Sheriff maintain peace, make arrests, prevent disturbances, and investigate public offenses. Additionally, the County of Santa Clara Charter (Section 605) requires the Sheriff to provide efficient and effective police protection while fulfilling all legally prescribed duties. 

The Sheriff’s Office offers public safety services to unincorporated areas of the county, county parks, and government buildings. Additionally, it serves contract cities such as Cupertino, Saratoga, the Town of Los Altos Hills, and the Valley Transportation Authority. The Office manages county jails, provides courthouse security, and offers regional investigative support and tactical responses for the County of Santa Clara. 

The Sheriff’s Office, an elected position, is chosen by the County’s citizens every four years. Since its establishment in 1850, twenty-eight individuals have served as Sheriff. Over the years, the Sheriff’s Office has evolved from a one-person operation into a multi-million-dollar agency. Currently, Robert Jonsen holds the position, having assumed office in December 2022. To manage this complex organization effectively, the Sheriff relies on a top management team. This team includes an Undersheriff, three Assistant Sheriffs, and an Administrative Services Director. The Sheriff’s Office is further divided into four major bureaus: Administrative Services, Enforcement, Custody, and Support Services.

See the Organizational chart