San Mateo County Sheriff’s Work Program (SWP)

The Sheriff’s Work Program (SWP) in San Mateo County allows certain defendants to serve a jail sentence by performing unpaid work instead of being physically incarcerated. It is not automatic, not a right, and not run by the court. Final acceptance rests entirely with the Sheriff’s Office.

Understanding how the program works—and how eligibility decisions are actually made—can matter significantly when sentencing alternatives are being negotiated.

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What Is the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Work Program?

San Mateo County’s Sheriff’s Work Program is an alternative to custody for selected low-risk, non-violent offenders who have been sentenced to 90 days or less.

If accepted:

  • Participants report to an assigned work site (often public agencies or approved non-profit organizations)
  • Work is performed during the day
  • Participants return home at the end of the work period
  • Jail time is avoided if the program is successfully completed

The program is administered by the Alternative Sentencing Bureau of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, not by the court.

Who Decides Whether You Are Accepted?

Acceptance into the Sheriff’s Work Program is solely at the discretion of the Sheriff’s Office.

However, a court recommendation is required to even make the application to the Sheriff; even that recommendation by the judge does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

The Sheriff evaluates:

  • The nature of the offense
  • Prior criminal history
  • Prior performance in alternative programs
  • Overall risk assessment

If an applicant is denied, they may submit a written appeal to the Alternative Sentencing Bureau supervisor. (This usually falls on deaf ears, in my experience. So it’s best to get it done right the first time.)

Eligibility Basics

Based on the Sheriff’s published materials, SWP is generally limited to:

  • Low-risk
  • Non-violent, non Sex-Offender, non weapons charge (usually)
  • Court-committed sentences of 90 days or less

Even if you meet those baseline criteria, acceptance is not guaranteed. Prior failures, violations, or compliance problems in alternative programs are commonly disqualifying factors.

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Work Schedule and Program Rules

Key operational rules include:

Minimum participation

  • At least 2 days per week
  • If sentence exceeds 45 days, at least 3 days per week

This isn’t a weekend-only program

  • SWP operates 7 days a week
  • If weekend slots are full, weekday work (Monday–Friday) may be required

Start deadline

Participants must apply to the program within 14 days of a case resolution

Who Is Eligible for SAP?

Work sites are assigned by the program and typically involve:

  • Public agencies
  • Approved non-profit or charitable organizations

How and When to Apply

Applicants must call the Alternative Sentencing Bureau to schedule an eligibility appointment.

Important timing rules:

  • You should call between 5-12 business days after sentencing. This is a strange function of their electronic records system. The Sheriff can’t see the case details until 5 days pass, but they won’t even accept applications after 12 days. That leaves only a 7 day window to apply.
  • If you miss this window, the Sheriff will often just reject the application and refer you to surrender to jail.
  • No walk-ins are allowed

Required information when calling:

  • Court case number
  • Length of sentence
  • Surrender date

Location and Contact Information

Alternative Sentencing Bureau

1300 Maple Street, Redwood City, California

(East side of Highway 101)

Phone: (650) 599-3030

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., weekdays

(No weekends, no holidays, no walk-ins)

Official Resources

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office – Alternative Sentencing

smcsheriff.com

Sheriff’s Work Program application materials (referenced above)

Next Stop

If you’re facing a potential jail sentence in San Mateo County and want to know whether the Sheriff’s Work Program is realistic in your case—or how to position a case so alternatives remain viable—you can send me your information here:

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