Riverside County Got It Right: [Opinion]

Riverside County Got It Right: The People and Public Safety Prevailed [Opinion]

This week, Riverside County stood strong—together.

A misguided attempt to create a politically appointed citizen oversight committee over the Sheriff’s Department was decisively rejected after clear and unified opposition from residents and local leaders. I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with local elected officials and Riverside County residents. The Supervisors recognized what the public and I were rejecting—a proposal that would have undermined both our Republic and our public safety.

This was a win for common sense, transparency, and the will of the people.

Let’s be clear: this was never a choice between oversight or no oversight. Riverside County already has a strong, multi-layered framework of civilian and independent accountability—including a Civilian Advisory Committee, a Civil Grand Jury, Internal Affairs, the POST Commission, and outside investigations conducted by agencies like the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. We are not lacking oversight—we are already exercising it responsibly and effectively.

The problem with the proposed committee was never about improving transparency. It was about injecting politics into policing. And we’ve seen how that plays out—in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where activist-driven oversight boards have led to rising crime, plummeting morale, and eroded community safety.

Fortunately, residents of Riverside County saw through this. They showed up. They spoke out. And our Board of Supervisors listened. That’s how our Republic is meant to function—leaders responding to the will of the people, not bending to special interests or activist pressure.

The Board of Supervisors is one of many oversight bodies. If concerns arise regarding the Sheriff’s Department, the Board should increase ongoing dialogue with the Sheriff and his administration to find collaborative solutions. Furthermore, individual Supervisors should commit to strengthening communication not just with the Sheriff’s Department but also with the District Attorney’s Office and the local City Councils throughout their respective jurisdictions in Riverside County. Regular, consistent meetings will ensure policies and resources align to best support law enforcement and the communities they serve.

As a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq, I know what it means when decisions are made by people far removed from the mission. It makes the job harder and more dangerous. We owe it to our deputies—the men and women who put on the badge each day—not to second-guess them with politically appointed boards, but to support them with the tools, training, and trust they need to serve effectively.

What we witnessed this week was our Republic in action. The people were heard. The Board recognized and agreed with the people. And Riverside County should continue moving forward with real, lasting solutions: stronger community engagement, smarter recruitment, and oversight that’s grounded in accountability—not politics.

This wasn’t just a victory for law enforcement. It was a victory for voters, for families, and for every resident who wants to feel safe in their home, on their street, and in their community.

We don’t need more bureaucracy. We need more trust, more unity, and more leaders willing to listen and lead with principle.
And for that, I say thank you.