Sheriff's Data Platform Approved Over Fierce Opposition as Board Eyes Countywide Efficiency Overhaul

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors spent much of its May 12 meeting navigating two high-stakes debates: whether to double down on a controversial law enforcement data platform that drew more than a dozen speakers warning of immigration enforcement risks, and whether to hire an outside firm to hunt for savings across a county budget increasingly vulnerable to federal cuts. Both items passed — but not without signaling that the board expects stronger guardrails ahead.

• Sheriff's $1.4M Peregrine Technologies contract approved 4-0 despite intense community opposition over surveillance, Palantir ties, and potential ICE data sharing

• Board directs staff to pursue countywide efficiency review with Public Works LLC, targeting 5–10% annual savings across county and Alameda Health System operations

• Fireworks ban ordinance introduced for unincorporated areas — the last jurisdiction in the county without one — ahead of July 4th

• Supervisors push back against SB 1193, a state bill labeling supervisorial community grants as "slush funds"

• $450K in Measure W housing displacement prevention contracts extended, with the Housing Provider Resource Center reporting nearly 500 calls since its December 2024 launch

• $36M jail conditions settlement disclosed from closed session in the consolidated Tran/Wong cases against the Sheriff's Office

The most heated item on the agenda — continued from April 21 — was the Sheriff's Office request to approve a second amendment to its contract with Peregrine Technologies, increasing the deal from $686,500 to $1,409,500 and extending it through March 2028.