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Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Armed Suspect Following Brief Standoff
Saturday 10/24/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the 4400 block of Hollister Avenue that resulted in a suspect brandishing a knife and refusing to surrender. At approximately 11:34 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, deputies contacted…
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Thursday 10/08/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as a 2026 Honoree for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence Prevention, highlighting the agency’s work and partnerships aimed at preventing firearm-related violence and protecting the community. Sheriff Bill Brown accepted the award during a statewide ceremony…
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Inmate Dies at Nursing Facility
Monday 10/05/2026
Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of a 79-year-old Santa Maria man who remained in Sheriff’s Office custody while receiving medical care outside of the Northern Branch Jail. Ernest Lattimer, 79, of Santa Maria, was in custody in connection with a previously reported investigation. Lattimer was being…
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Sheriff’s Office Provides Update on In-Custody Death Investigation
Friday 09/25/2026
Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update to its September 15, 2026, notice of an in-custody death at the Northern Branch Jail. The Coroner’s Bureau has classified the death of James Edward Murphy, 68, as a homicide. Another incarcerated man, 46-year-old Peter James Anderson from Santa Barbara, has been booked on…
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Sheriff’s Detectives Continue Investigation into 1988 Homicide of Mitchell “Buster” Garcia
Wednesday 09/23/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. - Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation into the 1988 homicide of Mitchell “Buster” Garcia and are again asking for the public’s help as they pursue leads in the decades-old case. Garcia was 23 years old when his skeletal remains were discovered on February 10, 1988, in the Caliente…
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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as a 2026 Honoree for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence Prevention. Read more here:
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence...
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 reporting the death of a 79-year-old Santa Maria man who remained in Sheriff’s Office custody while receiving medical care outside of the Northern Branch Jail. Read more here:
Inmate Dies at Nursing Facility – 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
SBSO Instagram Feed
Today, we had the privilege of celebrating new beginnings and well-earned achievements at our Sheriff’s Office Welcome and Promotion Ceremony!
Sheriff Brown welcomed two new professional staff members and recognized eight team members who have earned promotions into new leadership roles.
Each promotion represents years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving the people of Santa Barbara County. We’re proud to recognize these accomplishments and excited for the experience, leadership, and fresh perspectives each of these team members brings to their new roles.
Please join us in congratulating our newly promoted personnel and welcoming the newest members of the Sheriff’s Office family!
👏 Congratulations to all! 💛💚
☕👮 Coffee with a Cop is coming back to Goleta!
Join us for National Coffee with a Cop Day and spend the morning getting to know the deputies who serve the Goleta community. No speeches, no presentations—just coffee and conversation. Ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply stop by and say hello.
📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 9–11 a.m.
📍 Marketplace McDonald’s
6900 Camino Real Marketplace Dr., Goleta
☕ Free McCafé coffee, courtesy of McDonald’s!
We hope to see you there!
#CoffeeWithACop #NationalCoffeeWithACopDay #Goleta #GoletaPolice #SBSheriff #CommunityPolicing
Great weekend at Los Alamos Old Days! 🤠
Our Sheriff’s Office team had a great time joining the parade and seeing so many families, friends and neighbors lining the streets of Los Alamos. From our historic patrol car to ATVs and the BearCat, we enjoyed sharing a little bit of Sheriff’s Office history—and some of the equipment our teams use today.
Thank you to the Los Alamos community for the waves, smiles and warm welcome. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to be part of the communities we serve. 💚⭐
Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎
This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.
From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.
Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚
#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork
Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈
National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.
We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.
Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.
To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.
National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙
From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.
Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!
Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛
