Santa Clara County Crime & Justice Articles

Joseph has served as acting chief of police since former Chief Anthony Mata’s retirement on March 31.

Goodwill has opened a new store in the most unexpected location — and for the employees it could be a life-changing experience.
Goodwill of Silicon Valley launched its first-ever store at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas last week, providing …

The City of Gilroy has been dismissed from all litigation filed by the families of two young men who died as a result of a 2021 shooting at the home of City Council member Rebeca Armendariz.

San Jose councilmembers are calling for the resignation of Omar Torres almost a week after a police affidavit revealed he's under investigation for alleged sex crimes involving minors.
"We are in the midst of an active and ongoing investigation, and …

A San Jose police sergeant and City Council candidate has had his officer certification temporarily suspended by the state police board amid allegations of mortgage fraud.
The state’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training temporarily decertified Tam Troung on …

Residents will soon be able to view San Jose Police Department crime statistics broken down by council districts as part of an effort to expand transparency requirements citywide.
Rules Committee members voted unanimously to approve a proposal by Councilmember Arjun …

In more than 30 states, it’s harder than ever to vote this year. But in California, it’s never been easier.

Milpitas is seeking an order against its former city manager to stop him from leaking information prior to a trial, the latest saga in an ongoing legal battle.
Last December, ousted City Manager Steve McHarris filed a wrongful termination lawsuit …

Santa Clara County leaders have agreed to arm sheriff’s deputies in the jails with Tasers despite a year of protests from civil rights activists and community groups. 
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the purchase of 75 Axon Tasers …

Although Santa Clara County was one of the first in the nation to create a behavioral health court, criminal offenders with mental health and drug problems sit in jail for months before getting treatment. That could change this week.
County …

A coalition of elected officials that Gov. Gavin Newsom dismissed as "just a couple mayors," is raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in an effort to reverse lenient rules on retail and drug crimes.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced …

A legal shield protecting police officers from excessive force lawsuits has taken a major blow in San Jose. 
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday denied qualified immunity for Michael Panighetti, a San Jose Police Department officer who …

Santa Clara County wants to purchase a tiny home village for homeless residents from San Jose and use it to house formerly incarcerated people — sparking safety concerns from nearby homeowners.
San Jose launched the Monterey/Bernal tiny home site as …

San Jose leaders have greenlit the purchase of more than $400,000 in military equipment for the city’s police department to replenish its existing inventory of weapons and devices.
Approved purchases for San Jose police officers include 125 new .556 caliber …

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office launched a public data dashboard last week to support what they said will promote “transparency, accountability, and community engagement” within the criminal justice system.

San Jose’s top political leader supports harsher penalties for drug dealers as voters consider new measures to hold thieves and drug suppliers accountable.
California voters passed the criminal justice proposition in 2014 and established a $950 threshold for determining whether …

Those living along the waterways could soon be fined or face jail time, due to a policy being considered by the largest water agency in Santa Clara County.
 Valley Water Board of Directors will consider the Water Resources Protection Zones …

The California Supreme Court won’t hear former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith’s appeal of a case that disqualified her from holding public office.
The high court denied Smith’s petition for review on June 18, records show. It comes after …

Santa Clara County courthouses are trading in ankle monitors for less conspicuous surveillance of people who are on probation or awaiting trial.
County judges in the coming weeks can instead monitor people through wristwatch trackers or specialized mobile phones with …

The grants come from the district attorney’s Asset Forfeiture Fund, which is money seized from gangs, drug traffickers and criminal organizations, with the goal of helping to repair some of the harm caused by those criminal enterprises.