HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 06-16-2026 Item No. 7. Santa Clara County Law Enforcement Contract Amendment_Desk Item ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3220
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DESK ITEM
Meeting: June 16, 2026
Agenda Item # 7
Subject
Amend the Existing Agreement with Santa Clara County for Law Enforcement Services.
Recommended Action
1. Authorize the City Manager to continue negotiations and execute an
amendment:
a. extending the term of the current agreement for Law Enforcement
Services to September 30, 2026; and
b. revising the cost methodology as proposed by the County to increase the
contract in an amount not to exceed $6.4 million.
Q1. How are they [SROs] funded at other neighboring schools and cities?
Staff Response: There seems to be different models for the SRO program – most of them are a partnership
between the police departments and school districts. Staff is gathering information on the funding models
for neighboring schools and cities and will issue an informational memo in the coming weeks.
Q2. Does Sunnyvale Police Department help out at Homestead High School?
Staff Response: They have assisted with traffic issues on their side of Homestead Road and Sunnyvale
DPS may be contacted if there is an issue with a student who lives in their jurisdiction.
Q3. What is the breakdown of SRO services within Cupertino schools in terms of hours or
incidents (rough estimate is fine)?
Staff Response: Staff could not get a breakdown of hours in a short timeframe. However, the information
below was provided to staff by the sheriff’s Office via email:
FUNCTIONS OF THE SCHOOL RESOURSE OFFICERS (SROs):
The School Resource Officers (SRO) workload is highly dynamic; the amount of time spent at any
one school can vary significantly from day to day. The SROs may be tied up with a criminal
investigation, a welfare check, a call for service, or a prescheduled school event or presentation.
For this reason, the SROs do not follow a strict daily rotation of all the schools in Cupertino.
Instead, the schedule is driven by need, call volume, and any planned activities. Some days the
SROs may spend extended time at one or two campuses, while on other days they may visit
several schools depending on what issues arise.
This flexible approach ensures the SRO can respond quickly to emerging concerns while still
maintaining regular contact with all assigned schools over the course of the week.
Typical Duties of a School Resource Officers:
Traffic Support: The SROs monitor schools where traffic concerns have been reported and
conducts high-visibility patrols, traffic enforcement, and driver education as needed. When
appropriate, the SROs coordinate with school administration and the Cupertino Traffic Deputies
to increase visibility and address specific problem areas.
Daily Check-In’s with Schools: The SROs regularly check in with assigned schools to address
questions, concerns, and emerging issues. This includes helping staff distinguish between
criminal and non-criminal matters, offering guidance on school safety, and providing input that
may help reduce liability. These check-ins typically involve school administrators and guidance
counselors.
Welfare Checks: School administrators or counselors may request assistance with welfare checks
at a student’s home. These checks may involve concerns such as mental health, truancy, general
welfare or other circumstances affecting a student’s well-being. When a student is refusing to
attend school, the SROs work with school staff to contact the family and encourage a cooperative,
peaceful resolution.
Criminal and Non-Criminal Investigations: The SROs serve as the primary point of contact
for school-related criminal allegations, whether they occur on or off campus. In many cases, the
SROs receive information about incidents that do not meet the threshold of a crime but still
require documentation to assist the schools with an administrative procedure. Handling these
investigations at the SRO level allows Cupertino patrol deputies to remain available for calls for
service.
Additionally, an SRO may use discretion to mitigate an issue by providing guidance in
collaboration with the school and the student’s family.
When criminal matters involve student welfare, the SRO collaborates with County Social
Services to ensure students receive appropriate resources, support, and safe housing when needed.
School Presentations: The SROs are frequently asked to provide presentations on a wide range
of safety and educational topics. Common presentations include Run, Hide, Defend; Internet
Safety; Stranger Danger; Bike Safety; Turning 18; and Driver’s Safety.
After-Hours Community Engagement: The SROs participate in community events outside
regular school hours, such as Boy Scout presentations, neighborhood watch meetings, and school
board meetings.
Additionally, the SROs are frequently tasked to attend city events, such as the Safety Fair, AAPI,
Blossom Festival, Diwali Festival, State of the City and other community events.
Teen Academy: The SROs along with the Cupertino SRO, coordinate a two-week Teen Academy
for high school students. The program features guest speakers from across the Sheriff’s Office and
includes tours of the County Jail, Courthouse, and District Attorney’s Office. Students also meet
specialized teams such as Crime Scene Investigations, Bomb Squad, and SWAT. The academy
typically includes a defensive driving course and exposure to the Force Options simulator to help
students understand real-world decision-making in law enforcement.
Recreation, Socialization, and Visibility: When call volume allows, SROs visit schools
during recess and lunch to interact with students in a positive, informal setting. This may
include participating in recreational or athletic activities, helping build rapport and trust with
the student community.
Attachments Provided with Original Staff Report:
A – FY 2026-27 Sheriff Contract Proposal (2025.12.31)
B – FY 2026-27 Sheriff Contract Proposal Revision (2026.04.10)
C – FY 2026-27 Sheriff Contract Proposal Revision (2026.04.13)
D – Proposed 12-Week Extension (Redline)