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Date: |
October 27, 2026 |
03 |
Title
Sheriff - Addition of One School Resource Officer in the City of Vista (District: 5)
End
Overview
On January 25, 2022 (2), the Board of Supervisors approved the San Diego Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) law enforcement services contract with nine incorporated cities in the County for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. Of those cities, Vista has requested to add one additional School Resource Officer (SRO) to their contract who will be dedicated to middle schools located within the city. Vista middle schools serve youth populations, with significant numbers of students at risk for early cannabis use, vaping, and substance-related incidents. The dedicated SRO will support equitable access to prevention education, intervention services, and mentoring by working closely with school staff and youth service partners. The SRO’s presence emphasizes early intervention rather than punitive responses, reducing disproportionate impacts on youth from historically marginalized communities within Vista.
This request is to approve and authorize the addition of one SRO to be added to the City of Vista and the purchase of a vehicle for the SRO. Due to the provisions of Government Code Section 51350, a waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, is also included in today’s request, which requires full cost recovery for fees, grants, and revenue contracts.
Body
Recommendation by Sheriff:
1) Approve and authorize the Sheriff’s Office to add one staff year to support the City of Vista and direct the Department of Human Resources to classify the position at the appropriate level.
2) Establish appropriations of $336,945 in the Sheriff’s Office, Salaries & Benefits ($181,595), Services & Supplies ($60,852), and Capital Assets Equipment ($94,498) for law enforcement services based on unanticipated revenue from the City of Vista. (4 VOTES)
3) Transfer appropriations of $94,498 from the Sheriff’s Office, Capital Assets Equipment, to the General Fund Contributions to Fleet Internal Service Fund (ISF), Operating Transfer Out, to purchase one vehicle.
4) Establish appropriations of $94,498 in the Department of General Services Fleet ISF, Capital Assets Equipment, for the purchase of one vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office based on an operating transfer from the General Fund. (4 VOTES)
5) Waive Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, which requires full cost recovery for fees, grants, and revenue contracts.
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Equity Impact Statement
Adding a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) to Vista middle schools directly advances equity by expanding access to prevention education, early‑intervention services, and mentorship for youth populations, including students disproportionately affected by substance‑related risks. The SRO will collaborate closely with school staff and youth‑serving partners to reduce criminal justice system involvement and encourage diversion opportunities, where possible.
Sustainability Impact Statement
Today’s Board of Supervisors actions support the County’s Sustainability Goals providing just and equitable access and engaging the community. The School Resource Officer (SRO) supports early intervention, prevention education, mentorship, and trauma-informed connection to services for middle school students, particularly students from communities disproportionately impacted by substance-related risks. This aligns with the County’s goal to reduce disparities and ensure equitable access to health-supportive services. A dedicated, prevention‑focused SRO also strengthens school and neighborhood safety by reducing youth substance‑use risks, improving campus readiness, and establishing stronger ties between families, youth partners, and law enforcement. This contributes directly to the County’s commitment to community safety and preparedness.
Fiscal Impact
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operational Plan for the San Diego Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) or the Fleet Management Internal Service Fund. If approved, this request will result in current year costs and revenue of $336,945 related to Salaries & Benefits ($181,595) for one (1) additional staff year, Services & Supplies ($60,852) for start-up and vehicle costs, and Capital Assets Equipment ($94,498) for the purchase of a vehicle for the SRO, for law enforcement services provided to a contract city. The funding source is revenue from the City of Vista.
A waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, is required since the contract revenue will recover Sheriff’s Office direct costs and a portion of indirect costs. Government Code Section 51350 prohibits the County from charging a city for County’s general overhead costs. Those indirect costs will be funded by existing General Purpose Revenue in the Sheriff’s Office. Subsequent year costs and revenue will be included in future year Operational Plans for the Sheriff’s Office. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and there will be an increase of one staff year.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
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Background
On January 25, 2022 (2), the Board of Supervisors approved the San Diego Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) law enforcement services contract with nine incorporated cities in the County for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. The City of Vista, one of the nine incorporated cities in the contract, has requested to add one additional School Resource Officer (SRO) to their contract who will be dedicated to middle schools located within the City of Vista. Vista middle schools serve youth populations, with significant numbers of students at risk for early cannabis use, vaping, and substance-related incidents.
The City of Vista has proposed a comprehensive initiative to address cannabis-related public safety and youth health impacts through enforcement, prevention, and education. The initiative will strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis activity through coordinated efforts between the Sheriff’s Office and San Diego County Code Enforcement. This coordinated effort includes inspections, investigations, and multi-agency operations. The initiative will also expand prevention and early intervention services by placing a dedicated SRO in middle schools to deliver cannabis education, identify at-risk youth, and connect students to supportive services. The dedicated SRO will work closely with school staff and youth service partners to support early intervention rather than punitive responses. Community outreach efforts will increase awareness of cannabis laws and health risks. This balanced approach reduces illegal activity, prevents youth cannabis use, and improves community safety outcomes.
This request is to approve and authorize the addition of one SRO to the City of Vista. This request also includes establishing appropriations of $336,945 in the Sheriff’s Office based on unanticipated revenue from the City of Vista, for the addition of one SRO, Salaries & Benefits ($181,595), for the purchase of a vehicle ($94,498), and $60,852 for start-up and vehicle costs. Due to the provisions of Government Code 51350, a waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, is also included in today’s request, which requires full cost recovery for fees, grants, and revenue contracts.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed actions support the Equity, Community, and Justice Initiatives of the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by ensuring that students in Vista Middle Schools receive early intervention services, mentorship, and assistance. Having prevention-focused SROs within Vista middle schools strengthens overall neighborhood safety, enhances the school system’s capacity to respond to emerging youth behavioral challenges, and supports long-term wellbeing of students.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly A. Martinez
Sheriff
Attachment(s)
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