Just over a month ago, the public learned that Millbrae Police Chief Eamonn Allen had been using police headquarters as a makeshift home while commuting from his off-duty residence in Idaho. The controversy, however, already appears to be fading. A spokesperson for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office recently confirmed that no policy prohibits employees from living out of state. At the same time, the San Mateo Daily Journal reports that the county’s new sheriff plans to create designated sleeping quarters at police stations.
The situation underscores how California’s high housing costs have pushed public agencies into unfamiliar territory. When Board of Supervisors President David Canepa first learned of Allen’s living arrangement, he called for an investigation. Yet, as the Daily Journal notes, Canepa has since declined to comment further.
Millbrae Mayor Anders Fung has also softened his position. His initial reaction was sharply critical.
“This is disappointing, in terms of what we found out, and the people of Millbrae deserve better,” he said at the time.
Fung now says he believes the issue should be left up to the Sheriff’s Department, which employs Millbrae’s officers. His primary concern, he notes, is ensuring that police response times remain adequate.
The shift in tone from local leaders suggests a growing acknowledgment that unconventional housing arrangements are becoming increasingly common for public safety personnel. For now, the focus appears to be less on where officers sleep, and more on whether they can continue to serve their communities effectively.