The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority also contracted with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement service.

On December 15, 1998, Laurie Smith became the 28th person to hold the position of sheriff in Santa Clara County, California and the first woman law enforcement officer to hold the office of sheriff in the history of California.

In early 2022, Smith retired while under grand jury corruption charges and after a unanimous vote of no confidence by the county Board of Supervisors.

[2] On August 27, 2015, mentally-ill inmate Michael Tyree was beaten to death[3] by three jail guards.

Jonsen served as Chief of Police for the City of Palo Alto prior to his election.