Kevin Lee seeks appointment as San Mateo County sheriff, touts trust and modern policing

Police Captain Kevin Lee of the San Francisco Police Department said he is seeking appointment as sheriff of San Mateo County, citing a leadership approach grounded in "integrity, accountability, and compassion."

Lee said his law-enforcement philosophy emphasizes earning public trust and building partnerships. "It's about earning trust, building partnerships, and investing in people," he said, and added he would pursue transparency, fairness and community engagement as sheriff.

Lee described his career as centered on "building safe communities, supporting the men and women who serve, and strengthening trust between law enforcement and the public we protect," and said he leads one of San Francisco's most diverse police districts. He said his goal would be to "lead a sheriff's office where every deputy and employee feels supported and valued, and every resident feels safe and respected."

The statement did not specify the appointing authority, timeline or next steps for the appointment process. Lee closed by thanking listeners and saying he looks forward to "continuing the conversation about how we can move San Mateo County forward together."