CountyofSB.org 
The North County Operations Division, managed by Commander Jason Grossini, provides all law enforcement services for the northern unincorporated area of the county. The North County Operations Division is organized as two Patrol Bureaus, each managed by a Sheriff’s Lieutenant. This division is responsible for the geographic area north of the Santa Ynez Mountains, except for the Santa Ynez River Recreational area of the Los Padres National Forest. The eastern border is Ventura and Kern Counties, and the north is the border with San Luis Obispo County. The western border is the Pacific Ocean. The North County Operations Division also includes the Gaviota State Park and the area west of the Gaviota Tunnel.
The Northern Stations Patrol Bureau manages patrol services for the unincorporated Santa Maria area with a station in Orcutt. A satellite office operates in the Cuyama Valley covering the northeast section of the county.
The Central Stations Patrol Bureau manages patrol services for the unincorporated areas of Lompoc from the patrol station in Lompoc Valley; provides contract law enforcement services to the cities of Buellton, Solvang and the Chumash Indian Reservation from patrol stations in Buellton, Solvang, and the unincorporated areas of the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Santa Ynez Valley is located in the central portion of Santa Barbara County. The Valley is unique in the County, with a “small town” feel where the beauty of the open range, vineyards and surrounding mountains are the backdrop for several small but growing communities. The Santa Ynez Valley is composed of the cities of Buellton (population 5,095) and Solvang (population 5,802) and the smaller communities of Santa Ynez, Ballard and Los Olivos. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Reservation and Casino are also a part of the Santa Ynez community. The total population for the Santa Ynez Valley is approximately 20,000.
Tourism, agriculture and the wine industry are the top economic producers for the Santa Ynez Valley. The city of Solvang and the Chumash Casino each record over three million visitors a year.
The lieutenant responsible for the cities of Buellton and Solvang serves as Chief of Police Services for those cities. The cities Buellton and Solvang contract for general law enforcement services and additional services unique to the needs of their community. Buellton contracts for a motorcycle traffic unit. The City of Solvang contracts for a Community Resource Deputy.
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Man Cited for Trespassing After Jumping Fence Into Jail Perimeter While Eluding ICE. Read more here: https://www.sbsheriff.org/man-cited-for-trespassing-after-jumping-fence-into-jail-perimeter-while-eluding-ice/
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The work of the Bomb Squad is painstaking and methodical, requiring extreme patience, specialized training, and attention to detail. These deputies are called when situations are at their most dangerous, and their careful, deliberate approach is what keeps everyone safe.
Out in Cuyama, things look a little different. 🌄
Our Cuyama substation is staffed by resident deputies — meaning they don’t just patrol this community, they live here. They know the backroads, the ranches, the families, and the history.
In a rural area where backup can be miles away, relationships matter. And in Cuyama, those relationships run deep. 🤝
Small station. Big commitment.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office invites community members to join Deputy Morrell, the new Community Resource Deputy assigned to Isla Vista, and Lieutenant Schmidt for coffee on Thursday, March 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kozy Coffee – 6560 Pardall Rd.
This informal event provides an opportunity for residents, students, and local business owners to meet with Deputy Morrell and Lieutenant Schmidt, ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about public safety efforts in Isla Vista. Deputy Morrell and Lieutenant Schmidt will also answer questions related to Deltopia and the revised noise ordinance.
Working together to keep our community safe. 🤝🔒
Members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office recently partnered with the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County to provide facility safety training for their team. Trainings like this focus on practical strategies for recognizing potential threats, improving situational awareness, and strengthening emergency preparedness so staff feel confident responding to a variety of situations.
Strong community partnerships are a key part of public safety. By collaborating with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, we can help ensure the spaces where local youth learn, grow, and spend time after school remain safe and prepared. 💙
#SBSheriff #CommunityPartnerships #SafetyTraining #BoysAndGirlsClub
📚💚 Today, our team joined the students at @herewegrowelc Preschool to celebrate Read Across America with a special story time.
Moments like these are a great opportunity to connect with kids in a positive way and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Thank you to our friends at Here We Grow for welcoming us into your classroom! 📖✨
#ReadAcrossAmerica #CommunityConnection #SBSheriff #ReadingMatters
When tragedy strikes on our roadways, answers matter. ⚠️
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Response Team (SMART) responds to serious injury and fatal collisions with one goal: to determine exactly what happened. ⭐️🚓
These highly trained deputies use advanced investigative techniques including scene mapping, total station measurements, evidence documentation, vehicle inspections, and data retrieval from onboard vehicle systems. Every tire mark, debris field, point of rest, and impact angle is carefully analyzed to reconstruct the sequence of events with precision and professionalism.
Their work is methodical, scientific, and often painstaking. It can take hours at the scene and weeks of follow-up analysis. But for victims, families, and the courts, accuracy matters.
Behind the traffic cones and flashing lights is a team committed to facts, accountability, and bringing clarity during some of the most difficult moments our community faces.
#SBSO #TrafficSafety #CrashInvestigation #PublicSafety
*UPDATE: class is full- stay tuned for the next offering 📺*🚔✨ 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. 💙🚓
