Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith is a native of Michigan where she lived until completion of high school. In 1969, she relocated to San Jose, California to pursue higher education and begin her law enforcement career. While still an undergraduate, she began her public service career in 1973 when she was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff Matron, then the only full peace officer status position available to women. Sheriff Smith has spent her entire professional career with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

Laurie graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice, and later received her Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. Sheriff Smith is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the State of California Command College, the FBI National Executive Institute and the American Leadership Forum – Silicon Valley. She is currently a Master’s candidate at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School through the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

On December 15, 1998, Laurie Smith was sworn in to serve as Santa Clara County’s 28th Sheriff since the department’s inception in 1850. She has also been consistently chosen for re-election through four additional terms to serve the people of Santa Clara County. Sheriff Smith has received numerous honors and awards for her public service, and has an outstanding record in the California law enforcement community. She is a past-president of the California State Sheriffs’ Association and is a past Woman of the Year recipient by the California State Assembly.

Sheriff Smith has been active in a number of professional and law enforcement organizations including the Valley Medical Center Foundation, Child Quest International, Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Commission, California State Sheriffs’ Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, Major County Sheriffs’ Association, National Criminal Justice Association, Police Futurists International and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

She has been appointed and has served on the State of California, Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (appointed by Governor Davis, Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Brown); the Speaker’s Commission on Police Conduct; the Office of the Attorney General, Blue Ribbon Commission on SWAT Practices and Policies; the Attorney General’s Violent Crime Reduction Task Force; and the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority. Within Santa Clara County, she has been appointed and served on the Community Corrections Partnership and Re-Entry Network Governance Team, the Jail Diversion and Behavioral Health Subcommittee of the Re-Entry Network, the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, and the Anti-Terrorism Approval Authority. She has also served on the Administration of Justice Advisory Board for De Anza College and the University of San Francisco.

Sheriff Smith has served on the following Boards, Commissions, and Committees:

Emergency Operational Area Council

Anti-Terrorism Approval Authority

Asset Forfeiture Fund Oversight Committee

Cal-ID Remote Access Network (RAN) Policy Board

Community Corrections Partnership Committee

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Steering Committee

Human Trafficking Commission

Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

Juvenile Justice Systems Collaborative

Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force

Race Equality in Justice Systems Workgroup

Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority

Public Safety and Justice Committee

Re-Entry Network

Domestic Violence Council

Disaster Preparedness Executive Committee

Speaker’s Commission on Police Conduct

Attorney General’s Commission of SWAT Practices and Policies

Attorney General’s Crime Reduction Task Force

Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Advisory Committee

Emergency Response Training Advisory Committee

California State Sheriffs’ Association – Past President

Major State Sheriffs’ Association – Executive Board

Santa Clara County Police Chiefs’ Association – Past President

State of California, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission

Rotary Club of San Jose

Valley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors

I was first recruited by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office while I was attending San Jose State University to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Administration of Justice. My interest in joining the organization was sparked by my commitment to service above self, and this guided me through the number of positions that I held with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. I was most recently appointed as the second-in-command of the organization as Undersheriff in January 2010, and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors appointed me as the Chief of the Department of Corrections later that year. I held both of these positions until I retired during the summer of 2016.  

Prior to these positions, I worked my way up the ranks of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, having held positions across every level (Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander and Undersheriff) that touched almost every aspect of the organization, including patrol, courts, jail administration, detectives, community services and the organization’s Field Enforcement Bureau. I also obtained leadership positions for specialized teams and divisions of the organization. For example, I held a special assignment with the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) for almost a decade, starting as an entry team member, eventually becoming a team leader and the SERT Tactical Commander. I also facilitated the rewriting of protocols and guidelines, as well as hosted trainings for the Honor Guard Unit. Additionally, I was the organization’s Public Information Officer, which is a role that I took on during my time as a Sergeant. I was also appointed as the Police Chief of the cities of Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Altos Hills between the years of 2002 and 2006.

During my career, I received numerous awards that recognized my service to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, including the 2007 Public Safety Officer of the Year Award and the Cupertino Proclamation for Outstanding Service Award. I also played an active role in the community and have spent my time volunteering with a number of community groups. I am currently the chairperson of the Saratoga Public Safety Task Force, an active member of the Cupertino Rotary Club and a chairperson of the Cupertino Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). I was also previously a member of the Goodwill Board of Silicon Valley, counselor/advisor to the Sheriff’s Office Youth Summer Camp and a member of the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Reform Committee.  

I registered as a Democratic several years ago when I concluded that the party aligned more with my values and the positions that I have taken regarding various social issues.  However, I do want to note that I will not make decisions as the Sheriff based any political agenda, but rather I will work to do what is best for the organization as a whole and to protect our communities.

At the center of my political compass is the consideration of inclusivity. This stems from my family background, as both of my parents’ families were interned during WWII as Japanese Americans. Growing up, I personally witnessed the repercussions of what my family lost as a result, and I believe that everyone should feel that they can live and work in their communities free from discrimination. Discrimination and harassment based on someone’s gender, race, sexual orientation, disability status and more is not something that I tolerate at any level. Overall, I support policies that are centered around inclusivity and embracing the diversity of everyone’s backgrounds.

Because of this, I have always been committed to consistent collaboration with various community organizations, including labor organizations, educators, religious groups, mental health advocates, immigrant advocates,  LGBTQI advocacy groups, micro-ethnic community groups, etc. It is important that the Sheriff showcase support in protecting the welfare of various communities throughout the county, and not just a select few.

Another issue that is often tied with law enforcement is gun control. Common sense protections including  comprehensive screenings/background checks and increased waiting period for all firearms purchases up to 45 days, are policies that I am in favor of. This also includes ending the background loopholes for relic or antique gun sales at gun shows and creating a comprehensive state and federal database system for the registration of all firearms and armed /prohibited lists. I do not support a full ban of guns, but I do think that we need to be smarter about regulating who purchases them and educating the public on how to safely keep a gun. For example, I support enhanced safe storage laws that would require firearms to be locked in a safe while the owner is not home. There also needs to be better policies in place so that law enforcement can respond quickly when a gun owner is identified as being a potential threat to themselves or others with due process.  

• Third-generation Santa Clara County resident
• Major, United States Army ( ret. )
• Deputy Sheriff, Santa Clara County
• United States Army MP ( Military Police )
• Graduate, Army Command and General Staff College
• Bachelor of Science, Excelsior College
• Served in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Europe, Africa and Asia
• Officer in Command of rebuilding police forces in Iraq; tasked with developing policies, procedures and training for MPs in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Commander of U.S. troops on the California-Mexico Border, “Operation Jump Start”
• Anti-terrorism officer with the U.S. Army in Germany
• Highly-decorated officer, including the Bronze Star Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal
• Married to Amy, army veteran and nurse. One daughter, Alexis

Joe’s grandfather was a World War II veteran with just a sixth grade education. He helped liberate Nazi concentration camps in Europe. Joe’s mother was a single Mom who raised three boys working two jobs and his aunts and uncles worked in the orchards of Santa Clara County picking fruit. It was their example of hard work, self-discipline, and responsibility that led Joe to become the first Army officer, first college graduate, and first law enforcement officer in his family. Joe’s wife Amy is a combat veteran of the Iraq War and a nurse. Their daughter Alexis is eleven years old and enjoys horse riding, singing, and dancing.

Sanctuary Cities: I am opposed to sanctuary state and city policies that release dangerous criminals into our communities. As Sheriff, I will fully cooperate with all  federal  law enforcement authorities trying to keep criminal illegal gangs like MS-13 off our streets.

Jail Reforms: Confidence needs to be restored to our county jails and the safety of both inmates and Department personnel must be ensured. This means doing a better job of addressing the unique treatment and care needs of those inmates who are mentally challenged and managing the increased burden that realignment is bringing to our jails.

Protecting Children: Our kids are our most vulnerable crime victims. As the tragic instances of school, church, and playground shootings spread, the Sheriff’s Department must be better prepared to protect our most innocent populations. This means partnering with local cities and school districts to provide our schools with safety equipment, technology, and personnel that can act proactively to deter threats from mass shooters.

Second Amendment and CCWs: As a candidate for Santa Clara County Sheriff and retired military officer, I fully recognize and appreciate the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. I support and will issue CCWs to law-abiding individuals who meet the standards and requirements. They should not be issued for political payback to campaign donors, but for the protection of an individual's life and property.

Terrorism: With extensive experience combating terrorism ( including receiving the Global War on Terrorism Medal ), I will work from day one to upgrade the security of our most vulnerable Silicon Valley targets, improve coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, expand the anti-terrorism training of our deputies, and utilize modern technologies and better intelligence-gathering methods.

Jose Salcido has been preparing to be your next Sheriff for his entire life.

Law Enforcement and Professional Service:

Jose served in the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department for 32 years where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.  He patrolled our streets, worked in our jails, was a homicide detective, and served as Assistant Division Commander over the Jails Administration Division.  He was a Watch Commander in the Patrol Division and managed the Records Division.  Jose earned the Top Management Award from the California Golden Badge Foundation and was elected valedictorian of the Sheriff’s Office Leadership Development Course.

Upon his retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, Salcido joined then Mayor Chuck Reed as a Senior Policy Advisor specializing in the areas of public safety and neighborhood outreach.  He coordinated the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force.  Salcido represented Mayor Reed and the City of San Jose at the Department of Justice National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention.

Community Service:

Salcido is an active member of our community.  He served as President of the Board of Director’s for the Sacred Heart Community Services Agency for six years, Recording Secretary to the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), Treasurer for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Santa Clara Valley, and President of the Bellarmine College Prep. Dad’s Club. Currently, Jose is serving as a mentor to a high school senior at James Lick High School through iMentor Bay Area and is a member of the Knights of Columbus supporting St. Christopher’s, St. Lucy’s, St. Mary’s in Los Gatos, Transfiguration and St. Frances Cabrini.

Education:

Jose earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Business Management and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from San Jose State University.  He earned a Management Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Certificate and has received awards and recognition for his leadership and management abilities by state and local organizations.  Jose graduated high school from St. Joseph’s Seminary in Mountain View.

Family and Personal:

Jose and his wife Mary have been married for 38 years, They have two sons, Declan and Conor, and have lived in the Willow Glen area of San Jose since 1984.

Jose enjoys golf, family time, and working with at risk youth in our community.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

¨       National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (2009 to Present) White House Initiative

¨       Opportunity Youth Partnership Leadership Council (2013 to Present)

¨       Management for the Police Administrator, San Jose State University, Pacific Grove, CA (2002)  

¨       Homicide Investigation, 40 Hours – POST Certified, San Jose, CA (2000)  

¨       Supervisory Development Seminar / Community Policing (2000)

¨       Criminal Investigator’s Core Course, 80 Hours – POST Certified, California State Univ., Los Gatos, CA (1999)

¨       Sheriff’s Leadership Development Course, Voted Valedictorian for Graduation, Milpitas, CA (1996)

CERTIFICATION

Public Service Ethics Education (Nov 25, 2014)

Sexual Harassment Prevention (City of San Jose 2014)

Management Peace Officers Standards & Training Certificate (January 2004)

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

“Portraits of Success” Exemplary Leadership Award 2008

One of the 100 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley for 2007, MACSA

(Mexican American Community Services Agency)

Top Management Award for 2004, Golden Badge Foundation Statewide Organization

Recipient of a County Board of Supervisors Resolution Recognizing Work with the Community 

The “Mover of Mountains” Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assoc. of Santa Clara Valley (2010)

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

      ¨       iMentor, Bay Area (2016 to Present)

¨       Knights of Columbus, San Jose Chapter (2006 to Present)

¨       Committee member, Santa Clara County Re-Entry Network (2013-2014)

¨       Treasurer and Scholarship Chair, Martin Luther King, Jr. Assoc. of Santa Clara Valley (2011 to Present)

¨       Chair, Public Safety Transition Committee, City of San Jose, Appointed by Mayor Chuck Reed (2006 – 2007)

¨       Region 1 Director, Peace Officers’ Research Association of California (2006 – 2009)

¨       President, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Santa Clara County (1994 – 2005)

¨       Participant, LPOA Legislative Committee, National Latino Peace Officers' Association

¨       Instructor, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Community Police Academy

¨       Chair, Board of Directors, Sacred Heart Community Services Agency (2006 to 2012)

¨       Past President, Bellarmine College Prep, Dad's Club (Academic Year 2005 – 2006)

¨       Member, Learning for Life Committee, Boy Scouts of America