Sergeant Scott Olcese recognized for bringing modern training tools to San Mateo police

Mack Miles June 5, 2026

San Mateo, California – A statewide honor has placed a quiet but important part of policing in the spotlight: training.

The San Mateo Police Department announced this week that Sergeant Scott Olcese has received the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement, a recognition given for exceptional work that makes a significant contribution to public law enforcement training.

The award is presented by POST, the state body that sets standards for peace officer training and professional development across California.

Long before the award, Olcese was working behind the scenes on one of the department’s most demanding responsibilities. Before his promotion to sergeant, he served as the department’s POST compliance officer and training manager, overseeing training needs for nearly 200 employees. That role placed him at the center of a system where accuracy, access and accountability matter every day.

His nomination focused on how he reshaped the department’s training infrastructure. Through the launch of SMPD University and a fully integrated digital training portal, Olcese helped move the department away from a scattered, paper-heavy process and toward a centralized system that made training records easier to manage and progress easier to track. The change also improved transparency, reduced delays and sharply cut paper use.

The work did not rely on costly outside vendors. By using existing software tools, the department saved thousands of dollars while creating a cleaner, faster and more efficient way for employees and supervisors to stay on top of training requirements.

Olcese said the recognition belonged to more than one person.

“Although this is an individual award, I would like to recognize our instructor groups, the hard work and dedication of our officers, and the support and guidance of our command staff, all of whom played an important role in making this award possible.”

Sergeant Michael Haobsh, who nominated Olcese, called the award a proud moment for the department.

“Scott took on one of the most challenging responsibilities in the department and handled it with professionalism, innovation, and a real commitment to improving how we train our people. This recognition is well deserved.”

For San Mateo police, the award is not only about one officer’s achievement. It also reflects a broader commitment to modern training, stronger systems and professional excellence that reaches beyond the classroom and into everyday public service.

Mack Miles June 5, 2026