David Lazar says he is applying to be San Mateo County sheriff

David Lazar, a retired law enforcement official, said he is applying to be San Mateo County sheriff in a statement recorded at Highland Park in San Carlos. "Today, I'm applying to be the sheriff for San Mateo County," Lazar said.

Lazar said the sheriff's office has had "a lot of media attention" and cited recent reports as evidence of leadership challenges. "Anyone following the sheriff's office's current state can conclude there has been a significant leadership challenge and setbacks in the sheriff's office," he said, adding that the problems were "preventable." He referred specifically to Judge Cordell's report.

Lazar said the office needs a "strong and proven leader" to "focus and support" sworn and professional staff and to rebuild trust. He described his own experience in law enforcement as spanning more than 33 years and said he retired this past summer "second in command from a large agency in a major city." "My experience in law enforcement includes over 33 years, retiring this past summer second in command from a large agency in a major city," he said.

He pledged to implement recommendations identified in outside reviews, naming the 2024 Mele Oriel report. "I have an extensive background in leading effective reforms and budgeting that align with the current needs of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. I will be able to implement the recommendations in the 2024 Mele Oriel report and any other mandates of this agency," Lazar said. He added he would begin collaborating with "some of the most talented individuals in law enforcement, our community, and our elected officials to move the sheriff's office forward" from his first day in office.

The statement did not specify whether Lazar has formally filed application materials or when a hiring or appointment decision might occur. He did not identify the current sheriff, name the agency where he served as second in command, or provide a timeline for next steps.