County Deputies Ask For Sheriff Investigation

SANTA CLARA COUNTY - A union representing Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies is calling for for an investigation into Sheriff Laurie Smith for allegedly attempting to influence the Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving Custody Operations.

The Deputy Sheriff's Association of Santa Clara County sent a letter to the county Monday asking for the investigation into Smith based on a March 3 meeting with the commission's chairwoman, LaDoris Cordell.

Cordell, a retired Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge, wrote in a March 4 email to Smith, that during the meeting the sheriff shared text messages by deputies under investigation. Cordell continued in the email that she didn't want to go after anyone in the Sheriff's Office and was focused on improving jail oversight.

Smith warned Cordell that should the commission recommend changes to the Sheriff's Office's leadership, it would hurt her 2018 re-election campaign, the retired judge wrote.

"Clearly the sheriff is more concerned about advancing her own political career than she is about addressing the real issues in our county jails," union vice president Roger Winslow said in a statement. "Apparently she was willing to compromise the findings of an independent commission to influence her own dreams of re-election," Winslow said.

The commission at its Saturday meeting recommended a change in leadership at the jails, which could mean taking it out of the sheriff's jurisdiction or designating someone who would report to the sheriff, Cordell said over the phone Monday.

Union officials in the letter asked the county to look into whether the sheriff shared personnel information with Cordell, took actions for her "personal political benefit" while serving county duties or used any public resources for her campaign or for personal reasons.

The union is also questioning whether Smith's role on the commission violates state law.

"Their accusations are untrue, I am focused on implementing meaningful reforms throughout our jail," Sheriff Smith said in a statement.

"I would've of hoped that instead of slinging mud trying to protect the status quo, the Union Leadership would offer some ideas for improving custody operations. Clearly, the reforms are headed in the right direction if those that want to cling to the past are on the attack," Smith said.

The union's letter, addressed to County Executive Jeff Smith and County Counsel Orry Korb, asks the county to have an "impartial outside entity" investigate the sheriff.

The union represents more than 530 sworn deputies, sergeants and lieutenants in the county.

-Bay City News