MISSION STATEMENT

We, the members of your Sheriff’s Office, are responsible for enforcing the laws, upholding the Constitutions, and providing custody and court services. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life through effective partnerships, protecting persons and property, while serving as role models to our community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Integrity
We are responsible for our actions, which are based upon the highest standard of ethics. We are committed to being honest, moral and trustworthy.
Caring
We are considerate, selfless and supportive in all our endeavors.
Courage
We take action, even at personal risk, by protecting the community, safeguarding the public interest, and improving the organization.
Fairness
We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We are impartial and just in our decisions and conduct.
Service
We perform our duties with professional excellence. We are dedicated and responsive to our community.
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession…law enforcement.
ADOPTED 1956. THE PEACE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Avoid. Deny. Defend — Surviving an Active Shooter Event.
SBSO X Feed
Moments ago, two Sheriff’s Office leaders were honored with the H. Thomas Guerry Awards for Superior Performance. Read more here:
Two Sheriff’s Office Leaders Honored with H. Thomas Guerry Awards for Superior Performance – Santa...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
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Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Honors Personnel and Community Members at Annual Awards Ceremony, Read more here: https://www.sbsheriff.org/santa-barbara-county-sheriffs-office-honors-personnel-and-community-members-at-annual-awards-ceremony/
SBSO Instagram Feed
🏆 Congratulations to Sheriff’s Lieutenant Christopher Gotschall and Sheriff’s Sergeant Sandy Frausto on being honored tonight with the prestigious H. Thomas Guerry Awards for Superior Performance by the Santa Barbara Citizens’ Council on Crime. 👏
Lt. Gotschall was recognized for his exceptional leadership and lasting impact on recruitment, retention, and organizational development within the Sheriff’s Office Human Resources Bureau. His efforts helped modernize hiring processes during some of the agency’s most challenging staffing years. His distinguished career also includes multiple commendations for bravery and service, including two Sheriff’s Medals of Valor and the California State Peace Officers Medal of Valor. 🇺🇸
Sgt. Frausto was honored for his life-saving actions during a missing person investigation in the Santa Ynez Valley. Using his personal knowledge of the missing individual and the surrounding remote terrain, Sgt. Frausto located the man in critical condition after an apparent overdose. His quick thinking, decisive action, and coordination of emergency response efforts were instrumental in saving the man’s life. 🚔❤️
We are proud of both honorees and grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and service to our community. ⭐️
🏆 Congratulations to Sheriff’s Lieutenant Christopher Gotschall and Sheriff’s Sergeant Sandy Frausto on being honored tonight with the prestigious H. Thomas Guerry Awards for Superior Performance by the Santa Barbara Citizens’ Council on Crime. 👏
Lt. Gotschall was recognized for his exceptional leadership and lasting impact on recruitment, retention, and organizational development within the Sheriff’s Office Human Resources Bureau. His efforts helped modernize hiring processes during some of the agency’s most challenging staffing years. His distinguished career also includes multiple commendations for bravery and service, including two Sheriff’s Medals of Valor and the California State Peace Officers Medal of Valor. 🇺🇸
Sgt. Frausto was honored for his life-saving actions during a missing person investigation in the Santa Ynez Valley. Using his personal knowledge of the missing individual and the surrounding remote terrain, Sgt. Frausto located the man in critical condition after an apparent overdose. His quick thinking, decisive action, and coordination of emergency response efforts were instrumental in saving the man’s life. 🚔❤️
We are proud of both honorees and grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and service to our community. ⭐️
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Last week, Sheriff’s Dispatchers were recognized with @sbcfire first-ever Unit Citation Award for leading the successful training and transition of all fire and AMR dispatch services to the Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC).
Their leadership and coordination behind the scenes helped ensure a seamless shift for critical emergency services—work that makes a real difference in moments that matter most.
Last week, Sheriff’s Dispatchers were recognized with @sbcfire first-ever Unit Citation Award for leading the successful training and transition of all fire and AMR dispatch services to the Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC).
Their leadership and coordination behind the scenes helped ensure a seamless shift for critical emergency services—work that makes a real difference in moments that matter most.
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This week, we proudly recognize National Correctional Officers Week and honor the dedicated men and women who serve in our custody facilities with professionalism, compassion, patience, courage, and unwavering commitment. This week, members of our custody team were recognized by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors with a Resolution commemorating the week, and with a BBQ lunch celebration in appreciation of their service. 👏
As Sheriff Bill Brown shared in his message to personnel, corrections is a difficult profession that often requires staff to manage challenging and unpredictable situations with self-discipline and professionalism, while also helping provide incarcerated individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. He also recognized the many professionals who support our jail operations, including counselors, records and administrative staff, cooks, utility workers, and medical and mental health providers.
Thank you to all of our custody professionals for the remarkable care and service you provide to our community every day. 💙
#NationalCorrectionalOfficersWeek #SBSheriff
This week, we proudly recognize National Correctional Officers Week and honor the dedicated men and women who serve in our custody facilities with professionalism, compassion, patience, courage, and unwavering commitment. This week, members of our custody team were recognized by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors with a Resolution commemorating the week, and with a BBQ lunch celebration in appreciation of their service. 👏
As Sheriff Bill Brown shared in his message to personnel, corrections is a difficult profession that often requires staff to manage challenging and unpredictable situations with self-discipline and professionalism, while also helping provide incarcerated individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. He also recognized the many professionals who support our jail operations, including counselors, records and administrative staff, cooks, utility workers, and medical and mental health providers.
Thank you to all of our custody professionals for the remarkable care and service you provide to our community every day. 💙
#NationalCorrectionalOfficersWeek #SBSheriff
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☕👮🏼 Coffee with a Cop is back in Goleta!
Join us on Tuesday, May 19 from 9–11 AM at McDonald’s in the Camino Real Marketplace for a relaxed, informal chance to connect with your local deputies.
No speeches. No agenda. Just conversation.
Whether you have questions, want to share concerns, or simply say hello, we’d love to see you there. Thanks to McDonald’s, free McCafé coffee will be provided for attendees.
📍 6900 Camino Real Marketplace Dr., Goleta
👥 Open to all community members
☕👮🏼 Coffee with a Cop is back in Goleta!
Join us on Tuesday, May 19 from 9–11 AM at McDonald’s in the Camino Real Marketplace for a relaxed, informal chance to connect with your local deputies.
No speeches. No agenda. Just conversation.
Whether you have questions, want to share concerns, or simply say hello, we’d love to see you there. Thanks to McDonald’s, free McCafé coffee will be provided for attendees.
📍 6900 Camino Real Marketplace Dr., Goleta
👥 Open to all community members
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💚 Lighting Up Green for Mental Health Awareness Month 💚
This May, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is proud to join our community partners in the Light Up Green campaign, recognizing Mental Health Month and the importance of connection, compassion, and support.
You’ll see Sheriff’s Headquarters shining green as a reminder that no one has to face mental health challenges alone and that help is always within reach. Across the county, more than 150 locations are participating to show that together, we can create more good days for everyone.
We encourage our community to take part—check in on a loved one, start a conversation, and help reduce the stigma around mental health.
📞 If you or someone you know needs support, the Behavioral Wellness Access Line is available 24/7 at 888-868-1649.
#LightUpGreenSBC #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MoreGoodDaysTogether #SBSheriff
💚 Lighting Up Green for Mental Health Awareness Month 💚
This May, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is proud to join our community partners in the Light Up Green campaign, recognizing Mental Health Month and the importance of connection, compassion, and support.
You’ll see Sheriff’s Headquarters shining green as a reminder that no one has to face mental health challenges alone and that help is always within reach. Across the county, more than 150 locations are participating to show that together, we can create more good days for everyone.
We encourage our community to take part—check in on a loved one, start a conversation, and help reduce the stigma around mental health.
📞 If you or someone you know needs support, the Behavioral Wellness Access Line is available 24/7 at 888-868-1649.
#LightUpGreenSBC #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MoreGoodDaysTogether #SBSheriff
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Custody Sergeant Jose Velasquez was recently honored with the Law and Order Individual Service Award from the Military Order of the World Wars—a distinction recognizing outstanding performance and exceptional service across law enforcement, fire and rescue, criminal justice, and public safety communities. 👏
Please join us in congratulating Custody Sergeant Velasquez on this well-earned recognition of his distinguished career in public service
Custody Sergeant Jose Velasquez was recently honored with the Law and Order Individual Service Award from the Military Order of the World Wars—a distinction recognizing outstanding performance and exceptional service across law enforcement, fire and rescue, criminal justice, and public safety communities. 👏
Please join us in congratulating Custody Sergeant Velasquez on this well-earned recognition of his distinguished career in public service
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A moment from last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting as our dedicated dispatchers were recognized with a resolution honoring National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 📞💛
This week, we celebrate the voices behind the scenes—our dispatchers who provide calm, critical support in moments of crisis and serve as the vital link between our community and first responders.
A moment from last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting as our dedicated dispatchers were recognized with a resolution honoring National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 📞💛
This week, we celebrate the voices behind the scenes—our dispatchers who provide calm, critical support in moments of crisis and serve as the vital link between our community and first responders.
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Behind every call, every response, and every safe outcome… there’s a dispatcher making it happen.
Today, our deputies took a moment to say thank you to the voices on the other end of the line—our lifeline. 💛📞
#NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek #ThankYouDispatch
Behind every call, every response, and every safe outcome… there’s a dispatcher making it happen.
Today, our deputies took a moment to say thank you to the voices on the other end of the line—our lifeline. 💛📞
#NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek #ThankYouDispatch
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