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Notice of In-Custody Death at Hospital
Friday 01/23/2026
An incarcerated person who was found unresponsive in his cell was transported to an area hospital, where he has died. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at approximately 4:00 pm, custody staff conducting 15-minute interval checks found 65-year-old Jonathan Lundahl from Santa Barbara unresponsive in his single person cell with no signs of trauma. Fire and…
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Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications for Community Academy
Thursday 01/22/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for our upcoming Community Academy, an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County. The Community Academy offers participants the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics with hands-on learning in areas including the history of law enforcement,…
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Isla Vista Man Arrested for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Wednesday 01/14/2026
Isla Vista Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 19-year-old Isla Vista resident in connection with the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The investigation began on December 5, 2025, after detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The information was generated through…
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Friday 01/09/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office today welcomed two new employees and recognized the promotion of twelve members of the organization during a ceremony underscoring the Sheriff’s Office’s longstanding commitment to service, professionalism, and leadership. “Our office has a proud tradition of Keeping the Peace Since 1850,” Sheriff Bill Brown said. “Whether…
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Storm-Related Death Investigation Near North San Marcos Road
Saturday 01/03/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – Multiple public safety agencies responded to a storm-related water rescue on North San Marcos Road that tragically resulted in the death of an adult male. At approximately 11:58 a.m., family members called 911 to report that an adult male had been swept into Maria Ygnacio Creek. Fire personnel and law enforcement immediately…
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Notice of in-custody death at hospital- read more here:
Notice of In-Custody Death at Hospital – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for our upcoming Community Academy, an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County. Read more here:
Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications for Community Academy – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
SBSO Instagram Feed
🚔✨ Ever wondered what happens behind the badge?
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for our Community Academy—a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County!
👮♂️ What you’ll experience:
📜 History of law enforcement
⚖️ Criminal law & patrol tactics
🗣️ De-escalation communication
🧪 Forensic evidence collection
This program is perfect for community members who want to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office—or anyone considering a future in law enforcement. Get an inside look at what it truly takes to serve and protect our communities.
📅 Class Schedule:
🗓️ Begins Monday, March 2, 2026
⏰ Mondays from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. through May 4, 2026
📍 Primarily at the Lompoc Substation, with some sessions in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria
🎉 Graduation BBQ/Luncheon: Saturday, May 9, 2026
⚠️ Space is limited and classes fill quickly!
📝 Apply by Monday, February 16, 2026
🔞 Must be 18 years or older
👉 Apply now at www.sbsheriff.org or email 📧 CommunityAcademy@sbsheriff.org with questions.
🚓 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting and educational experience!
Congratulations to Acting Lieutenant Neil Gowing (center) on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute! 🎓👏 This achievement reflects months of intensive leadership training focused on ethical decision-making, effective supervision, accountability, and leading with integrity. We’re proud of Acting Lieutenant Gowing’s commitment to professional growth and thankful for the leadership he brings back to our agency and the community we serve. 💙🚓
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office who were officially promoted today 👏⭐
This ceremony recognized dedicated professionals from across the organization, including three key additions to the executive leadership team:
Undersheriff Brad Welch
Chief Deputy Kevin Huddle
Custody Chief Deputy Ryan Sullivan
Each brings decades of experience spanning patrol, investigations, custody operations, and executive command—strengthening the leadership of our agency at every level.
Also honored were newly promoted commanders, lieutenants, sergeants, and professional staff, whose leadership and commitment support our mission every day.
“These promotions reflect the caliber of our people and the rigor of the process,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “Those who advance have earned the confidence of this organization.”
As they step into their new roles, these leaders are charged with upholding the values behind the word SHERIFF:
Service • Honor • Ethics • Respect • Integrity • Fairness • Faithfulness ⭐
🔈Audio on for a BOL from our Communications Dispatch Center 🎅🏼👀
🚨 Public Service Announcement: Text to 911 🚨
📍 Santa Barbara County, including UCSB properties
Call if you can. Text if you can’t.📱Dispatchers are available and ready to help 👩💻👨💻
A voice call is still the fastest and most effective ☎️
Text to 911 is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired ♿
It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk ⚠️
It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak 🏥
During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail 📶
📌 Tips for Using Text to 911:
Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly 📍
Use clear, plain language
Avoid emojis, slang, or abbreviations in your text
Send a one-on-one message. Group texts do not reach 911
Text to 911 is for emergencies only
📲 Text to 911- Help is just a message away.
☕👮♂️ Join us for Coffee with a Cop in Orcutt!
The Sheriff`s Office is teaming up with Gina’s Piece of Cake for a relaxed, no-agenda meet-up on Saturday, December 20, from 9–11 a.m. Swing by, grab a free cup of drip coffee, and chat with the deputies who serve your community — including Community Resource Deputy Shawn Banks.
These casual conversations help us stay connected, hear what matters to you, and build stronger relationships one cup at a time.
📍 Gina’s Piece of Cake — 205 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt
🕘 Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9–11 a.m.
🍵 Free drip coffee for attendees!
We hope to see you there! #CoffeeWithACop #Orcutt #SBSheriff
🎓✨ Congratulations to Community Academy Class 25-2!
Over the past several weeks, this incredible group learned about everything from investigations and patrol operations to custody, communications, and the many specialty units that keep our county safe. 🚓
Programs like this help build a stronger, more connected community by opening doors, answering questions, and creating partnerships that last long after graduation. 🤝💛
We’re grateful for your time, curiosity, and commitment to understanding how your Sheriff’s Office serves you.
👏🎉 Great job, Class 25-2!
Today we celebrated four new deputies upon their graduation from the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy! 🎓💛 Big congratulations to Deputies Durnin, Pursifer, Weber, and Woolley — and an extra round of applause for Deputy Woolley, who received the Leadership Award! 👏⭐
