Ever wondered what deputies use when ordinary patrol gear is not enough? San Mateo County is putting it on display

San Mateo County, California – Residents will get a rare chance to see some of the specialized equipment used by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office when ordinary patrol resources are not enough.

From drones that can assist during search and rescue missions to command vehicles and equipment intended for critical incidents, the Sheriff’s Office will put those tools in the public eye during a two-hour open house on Friday, Oct. 9.

The Military Equipment Open House will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Siebel Firearms Range. The event is designed to give community members a closer look at equipment that may normally only be seen during emergencies, major operations or specialized law enforcement responses.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, its inventory includes a variety of tools intended to help personnel respond to different types of emergencies while selecting equipment appropriate for each situation.

Some of those resources have uses that extend well beyond traditional law enforcement operations. Drones and command vehicles, for example, can support search and rescue efforts and provide personnel with additional capabilities during complex incidents.

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Other equipment is maintained for situations involving greater danger. The Sheriff’s Office said its resources also include specialized weapons and munitions that may be used during active shooter incidents or other critical emergencies.

The Oct. 9 event will give residents an opportunity to learn more about how those different tools are used and why the Sheriff’s Office maintains them. Rather than seeing the equipment only after an emergency has already unfolded, visitors will be able to get a closer understanding of the role it is intended to play in public safety operations.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is fortunate to have a range of equipment available to help protect the community and respond with appropriate tools when emergencies occur.

Officials are inviting members of the public to attend the open house and learn directly about the equipment, its uses and how it fits into the agency’s broader response capabilities.

The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Siebel Firearms Range.