






The Custody Support Division is under the command of Commander Selim Celmeta and is comprised of several distinct and separate units. These units include: Inmate Programs to include educational opportunities, vocational courses, substance/addiction education, and offender re-entry services.ย Alternative Sentencing allows for individuals to complete their court ordered sentences, pending qualification, on an Electronic Monitoring System.ย Electronic Monitoring helps reduce over-crowding, while allowing individuals to maintain work status and a supportive family environment.ย The Classification Unit is responsible for determining appropriate housing within our custodial facilities.ย Classification is also responsible for determining program participation eligibility.
Custody Support Division is also responsible for our contracted medical provider, Wellpath.ย Wellpath began servicing the needs of our inmate population on April 1, 2017.ย Wellpath and the Sheriffโs Office are committed to providing appropriate and timely care for both medical and mental health services.
The Northern Branch Jail Project is also a component of the Custody Support Division.ย The new facility, to be built in Santa Maria, will have 376 beds, most designed to incorporate direct supervision as our operating philosophy.ย Services, such as education, counseling, and limited medical/mental health, will be provided directly within the housing units, thus increasing staff efficiency and leading to a more engaged inmate population.
Maintenance and Custody Records are also vital units within Custody Support Division.ย The Maintenance Unit uses inmate labor to complete routine facility maintenance as well as maintaining cleanliness standards.ย Custody Records works directly with our courts, and all federal, state, and local agencies.ย The Records Unit assists with bail, court documents, and transfers to other facilities to include state prisons.
Avoid. Deny. Defend.โ Surviving an Active Shooter Event
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Ongoing CNA Sexual Abuse Investigation Leads to New Information and Survivor Reports. Read more here:
Ongoing CNA Sexual Abuse Investigation Leads to New Information and Survivor Reports โ Santa...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
Deputies Arrest Three Suspects Following Suspicious Activity at Home Depot. Read more here:
Deputies Arrest Three Suspects Following Suspicious Activity at Home Depot โ Santa Barbara County...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office ...
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๐โจ Ever wondered what happens behind the badge?
The Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office is now accepting applications for our Community Academyโa hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County!
๐ฎโโ๏ธ What youโll experience:
๐ History of law enforcement
โ๏ธ Criminal law & patrol tactics
๐ฃ๏ธ De-escalation communication
๐งช Forensic evidence collection
This program is perfect for community members who want to learn more about the Sheriffโs Officeโor anyone considering a future in law enforcement. Get an inside look at what it truly takes to serve and protect our communities.
๐
Class Schedule:
๐๏ธ Begins Monday, March 2, 2026
โฐ Mondays from 6:00 โ 8:30 p.m. through May 4, 2026
๐ Primarily at the Lompoc Substation, with some sessions in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria
๐ Graduation BBQ/Luncheon: Saturday, May 9, 2026
โ ๏ธ Space is limited and classes fill quickly!
๐ Apply by Monday, February 16, 2026
๐ Must be 18 years or older
๐ Apply now at www.sbsheriff.org or email ๐ง CommunityAcademy@sbsheriff.org with questions.
๐ Donโt miss your chance to be part of this exciting and educational experience!
๐โจ Ever wondered what happens behind the badge?
The Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office is now accepting applications for our Community Academyโa hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County!
๐ฎโโ๏ธ What youโll experience:
๐ History of law enforcement
โ๏ธ Criminal law & patrol tactics
๐ฃ๏ธ De-escalation communication
๐งช Forensic evidence collection
This program is perfect for community members who want to learn more about the Sheriffโs Officeโor anyone considering a future in law enforcement. Get an inside look at what it truly takes to serve and protect our communities.
๐
Class Schedule:
๐๏ธ Begins Monday, March 2, 2026
โฐ Mondays from 6:00 โ 8:30 p.m. through May 4, 2026
๐ Primarily at the Lompoc Substation, with some sessions in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria
๐ Graduation BBQ/Luncheon: Saturday, May 9, 2026
โ ๏ธ Space is limited and classes fill quickly!
๐ Apply by Monday, February 16, 2026
๐ Must be 18 years or older
๐ Apply now at www.sbsheriff.org or email ๐ง CommunityAcademy@sbsheriff.org with questions.
๐ Donโt 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! ๐๐ This achievement reflects months of intensive leadership training focused on ethical decision-making, effective supervision, accountability, and leading with integrity. Weโre proud of Acting Lieutenant Gowingโs commitment to professional growth and thankful for the leadership he brings back to our agency and the community we serve. ๐๐
Congratulations to Acting Lieutenant Neil Gowing (center) on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute! ๐๐ This achievement reflects months of intensive leadership training focused on ethical decision-making, effective supervision, accountability, and leading with integrity. Weโre proud of Acting Lieutenant Gowingโs commitment to professional growth and thankful for the leadership he brings back to our agency and the community we serve. ๐๐ ...
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office who were officially promoted today ๐โญ
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 commandโstrengthening 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.
โThese promotions reflect the caliber of our people and the rigor of the process,โ said Sheriff Bill Brown. โThose who advance have earned the confidence of this organization.โ
As they step into their new roles, these leaders are charged with upholding the values behind the word SHERIFF:
Service โข Honor โข Ethics โข Respect โข Integrity โข Fairness โข Faithfulness โญ
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffโs Office who were officially promoted today ๐โญ
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 commandโstrengthening 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.
โThese promotions reflect the caliber of our people and the rigor of the process,โ said Sheriff Bill Brown. โThose who advance have earned the confidence of this organization.โ
As they step into their new roles, these leaders are charged with upholding the values behind the word SHERIFF:
Service โข Honor โข Ethics โข Respect โข Integrity โข Fairness โข Faithfulness โญ
...
๐Audio on for a BOL from our Communications Dispatch Center ๐ ๐ผ๐
๐Audio on for a BOL from our Communications Dispatch Center ๐ ๐ผ๐ ...
๐จ Public Service Announcement: Text to 911 ๐จ
๐ Santa Barbara County, including UCSB properties
Call if you can. Text if you canโt.๐ฑDispatchers are available and ready to help ๐ฉโ๐ป๐จโ๐ป
A voice call is still the fastest and most effective โ๏ธ
Text to 911 is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired โฟ
It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk โ ๏ธ
It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak ๐ฅ
During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail ๐ถ
๐ Tips for Using Text to 911:
Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly ๐
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
๐ฒ Text to 911- Help is just a message away.
๐จ Public Service Announcement: Text to 911 ๐จ
๐ Santa Barbara County, including UCSB properties
Call if you can. Text if you canโt.๐ฑDispatchers are available and ready to help ๐ฉโ๐ป๐จโ๐ป
A voice call is still the fastest and most effective โ๏ธ
Text to 911 is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired โฟ
It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk โ ๏ธ
It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak ๐ฅ
During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail ๐ถ
๐ Tips for Using Text to 911:
Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly ๐
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
๐ฒ Text to 911- Help is just a message away.
...
โ๐ฎโโ๏ธ Join us for Coffee with a Cop in Orcutt!
The Sheriff`s Office is teaming up with Ginaโs Piece of Cake for a relaxed, no-agenda meet-up on Saturday, December 20, from 9โ11 a.m. Swing by, grab a free cup of drip coffee, and chat with the deputies who serve your community โ 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.
๐ Ginaโs Piece of Cake โ 205 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt
๐ Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9โ11 a.m.
๐ต Free drip coffee for attendees!
We hope to see you there! #CoffeeWithACop #Orcutt #SBSheriff
โ๐ฎโโ๏ธ Join us for Coffee with a Cop in Orcutt!
The Sheriff`s Office is teaming up with Ginaโs Piece of Cake for a relaxed, no-agenda meet-up on Saturday, December 20, from 9โ11 a.m. Swing by, grab a free cup of drip coffee, and chat with the deputies who serve your community โ 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.
๐ Ginaโs Piece of Cake โ 205 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt
๐ Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9โ11 a.m.
๐ต Free drip coffee for attendees!
We hope to see you there! #CoffeeWithACop #Orcutt #SBSheriff
...
๐โจ 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. ๐
Programs like this help build a stronger, more connected community by opening doors, answering questions, and creating partnerships that last long after graduation. ๐ค๐
Weโre grateful for your time, curiosity, and commitment to understanding how your Sheriffโs Office serves you.
๐๐ Great job, Class 25-2!
๐โจ 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. ๐
Programs like this help build a stronger, more connected community by opening doors, answering questions, and creating partnerships that last long after graduation. ๐ค๐
Weโre grateful for your time, curiosity, and commitment to understanding how your Sheriffโs Office serves you.
๐๐ Great job, Class 25-2!
...
Today we celebrated four new deputies upon their graduation from the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy! ๐๐ Big congratulations to Deputies Durnin, Pursifer, Weber, and Woolley โ and an extra round of applause for Deputy Woolley, who received the Leadership Award! ๐โญ
Today we celebrated four new deputies upon their graduation from the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy! ๐๐ Big congratulations to Deputies Durnin, Pursifer, Weber, and Woolley โ and an extra round of applause for Deputy Woolley, who received the Leadership Award! ๐โญ ...

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