Sheriff Addresses Concerns Over Millbrae Police Transition

Lt. Ed Barberini of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office assuaged residents’ concerns at a meeting held today over the transition in police services that will occur Sunday.

The Millbrae Police Department will cease to exist on March 4, and San Mateo County sheriff deputies will begin serving the community. Some residents at the meeting worried that the level of service might decrease once the Sheriff's Office takes over.

“Millbrae residents should expect little change once the Sheriff’s Office assumes police duties starting on Sunday,” Barberini said.

Although the Sheriff’s Office has hired all current sworn Millbrae police personnel, citizens will see many unfamiliar faces as those officers will be attending orientation in Redwood City all next week. 

"But they'll be back after that," he said.

Each patrolling shift will staff an existing Millbrae police officer with a new sheriff deputy. The police cars will maintain the Millbrae Police insignia with the addition of a small sheriff logo on the door.

Barberini said that they Sheriff’s Office doesn’t foresee any obstacles, other than some possible minor IT difficulties as the city integrates its computer system with the county.

He also said that the Sheriff’s Office will be able to assist the Chinese community, but it is not clear whether a Chinese-speaking officer will be on duty right away.

Barberini also assured residents that the police volunteer program will remain as is, and volunteers will also be able to participate in any special events throughout the county. Parking enforcement will also not see any changes.

“We are happy and eager to benefit from the knowledge [Millbrae officers] have of the community,” Barberini said. 

The transition from the Millbrae Police Department to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will occur at midnight on March 4.

For more news about Millbrae, follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter for daily updates.