Leadership in the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has undergone a major change, the office announced last week.

Undersheriff Chris Hsiung is leaving the sheriff’s office after less than two years in the role. The undersheriff is second-in-command to Sheriff Christina Corpus.

“After careful consideration, Sheriff Corpus and Undersheriff Chris Hsiung have come to the understanding that it is best for the organization to go in different directions,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release on Friday. 

Dan Perea is replacing Hsiung as undersheriff, effective July 1. 

“Undersheriff Perea is a distinguished and highly respected figure in the law enforcement community and is expected to bring a dynamic and innovative perspective to our team,” the sheriff’s office said. 

Perea served 33 years with the San Francisco Police Department, where he rose to deputy chief.

The sheriff’s office did not provide details on the reasons for Hsiung’s departure. 

“I’m excited for this next chapter, where I’ll be able to dedicate my time to coaching, mentoring, and especially the work of The Curve, to help advance our profession forward,” Hsiung said on LinkedIn and Instagram.

The Curve is a non-profit that aims to modernize policing strategy, advance leadership and evolve culture in police departments. 

Alise is a general assignment reporter with a focus on covering government, elections, housing, crime, courts and entertainment in San Francisco and on the Peninsula. Alise is a Bay Area native from San Carlos. She studied history at University of California, Santa Cruz and first started journalism at Skyline College’s school newspaper in San Bruno. She has interned for Bay City News and for Eesti Rahvusringhääling, or Estonian Public Broadcasting. She has covered everything from the removal of former San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus to the divisive battle over the Great Highway on San Francisco’s west side. Please send her any tips.