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Sheriff Ken Bender outlines 2026 priorities: rebuilding trust, staffing jails and youth outreach
Summary
In an Open Mic interview, newly arrived Sheriff Ken Bender described plans to rebuild trust with the community and within the department, conduct an operational assessment of county jails to expand rehabilitation programs, fill executive vacancies and boost youth engagement and recruitment across San Mateo County.
Sheriff Ken Bender, who has served in law enforcement for 27 years, told Open Mic listeners he is focused on rebuilding trust with residents and within his department as he begins his tenure in San Mateo County.
"It’s an honor to be here, to connect with you and really all of the great people of San Mateo County," Bender said, adding that he is "committed for the long haul." He described a career that moved from court work to patrol and several years as a homicide detective, saying investigative work helped him focus on holding serious offenders accountable and supporting victims.
Bender said his immediate priorities include reestablishing community trust and strengthening internal leadership. "My goal for 2026 is to really continue to establish…
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