For Accountability, Reform and Transparency
Dear friends and neighbors,
It has been my privilege to serve in the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department for the past 32 years, most recently as a sergeant. Public safety and law enforcement has been my life, since, as a young man, I was wrongfully accused, briefly incarcerated and ultimately exonerated, for a crime I did not commit. This gave me the determination to become a law enforcement officer who is fair, just and treats all he encounters equally.
Sadly, our department has strayed from that mission. Our current sheriff is under indictment and is not running again. It is time for a change and for a corruption-free sheriff’s office.
That’s why I am running for Sheriff, to bring new vision of Accountability, Reform and Transparency to the Santa Clara Sheriff’s office. I feel my experience as a patrol cop, training officer, jail officer, in the gang unit and doing investigations, among other positions, has well prepared me for the job of Sheriff.
I will make sure the department has a focus on mental health and crime prevention. I actively support a citizens’ oversight committee so that any allegations of abuse, unnecessary use of force or discrimination by police can be reviewed independently. It is my goal to have an office that is diverse, equitable and corruption-free at all levels.
I hope you will give me your confidence, your vote, and your time helping with this exciting transformative campaign.
Sean’s Priorities
Accountability
Under Sean’s administration, all those under his command will be held accountable for their actions, no matter their rank. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, discrimination, or misconduct of any sort. This includes any racist, sexist, or homophobic speech or actions in any context. All within the department should feel free to come forward with no fear of retaliation. Sean welcomes a civilian review board with real power, including subpoena power, to investigate any and all such allegations.
In a spirit of no cronyism, Sean will recruit a nationwide search for the best qualified to fill positions in top management.
Reform
Sean believes that Smart Reform, that treats all people fairly, inside and outside the department, is key to the kind of transformative change that we need now. To that end, he will invite collaborations, not just other police agencies, but other County, State and local agencies that provide services to those in need.
He will make mental health a priority of these collaborations, knowing that incarceration is not always the answer, especially when homelessness, substance abuse or mental illness is present. Such an approach should not only be of societal benefit, by treating problems as health problems where appropriate, but is geared toward safeguarding both the public safety and the budget by cutting recidivism and freeing jail beds.
Just as importantly, Sean will ensure that deputies are properly trained in de-escalation tactics so that reaching for a gun is always a last resort.
Transparency
Sean welcomes public oversight and will make frequent reports on the health of the department in regular meetings with public officials, community leaders and citizens to hear feedback. As soon as he takes office, he will institute listening sessions to get your suggestions and comments and to hear any problems you or your loved ones have had with deputies or other personnel.
Sean is married to Nia Kaykha. Together, their blended family consists of four children. His grown daughter Kiana works for Facebook and his son Sean works for the Hilton Hotel chain pursuing a career in law-enforcement. The two younger children live at home in South San Jose.
Sean’s Story
Born and raised in Santa Clara County, Sean has served in the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department for the past 32 years, most recently as a sergeant in the correctional facility where he has trained other officers in de-escalation tactics. He is the only African American in this race.
He calls for a citizens’ oversight committee with teeth. Others may talk about reform, but Sean has spent his career fighting against discrimination, sexual harassment, and even won a discrimination lawsuit in 2014. He pledges to hold deputies to a higher stand of service and ethical conduct. He has a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption of any sort.
Sean has served in many capacities including: Patrol, Gang Unit, Reserve Training Officer, Administrative Training Officer, Emergency Response Team Member/Team Leader/Training Officer, Security Housing Unit Training Officer and Academy Instructor.
At 19, Sean was arrested, incarcerated and exonerated for a crime he did not commit, an experience that gave him a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. This experience, instead of leaving him embittered, drove his resolve to work in law enforcement and fight injustice wherever he finds it.
He has practiced and taught martial arts for many years and has earned black belts in taekwondo and two types of karate. These disciplines have informed his work as a deputy in the Sheriff’s department.
Sean holds Certificates in Human Resources, Internal Affairs Investigations, Background Investigation, Supervisor School, and Polygraph Examination. He has received commendations, including “Employee of the Quarter.”
Endorsements
Rev. Jethro Moore, Chaplain, Buffalo Soldiers, Silicon Valley Chapter;
Silicon Valley NAACP, immediate Past President
Eric Taylor, Assistant Sheriff, Santa Clara, retired
Joe Lopez, Sergeant, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Dept, retired
Stanley Graham, Sergeant, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Dept., retired
Florence Graham, Deputy, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Dept., retired
Rev. Jethro Moore, Chaplain, Buffalo Soldiers, Silicon Valley Chapter; Silicon Valley NAACP, immediate Past President
To add your name to this list, email vote@seanallenforsheriff.com and put “Endorsement” in the subject line. Thank you.
In the News
Election 2022: The race for Santa Clara County sheriff, San Jose Spotlight, 4/11/2022
Candidate wrongfully arrested, now running to reform department, Palo Alto Daily Post, 4/7/2020 (pdf)
Santa Clara County sheriff hopefuls look to separate themselves at forum, San Jose Mercury News, 4/2/2022
Who’ll be Santa Clara County’s new sheriff? Five candidates seek top job, Palo Alto Online, 4/29/2022
Opinion: Daily Post election recommendations, Palo Alto Daily Post, 5/10/2022
Sheriff’s race: Why you should care, The Paly Voice, 5/25/2022
Opinion: How Santa Clara County can fix Sheriff Department’s challenges, by Sean Allen, San Jose Mercury News, 5/26/2022
Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates all running on reform platforms, KPIX CBS SF Bay Area, 5/25/2022
Videos
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