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The North County Operations Division, managed by Commander Robert Minter, 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 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 5,201) and Solvang (population 5,944) 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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Two Guadalupe Men Arrested in Separate Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigations. Read more here:
Sheriffs detectives served two separate search warrants in Guadalupe this morning on Esperanza Dr. and Tognazzini Ave. These were separate investigations - both for internet crimes against children. Federal agents assisted with the investigations and warrant service.
Buellton, you're invited! Join us for Coffee with a Cop at Zaca Coffee. Meet your local deputies and Buellton's new Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tom Green, for some friendly conversation over a cup of coffee. More here:
Sheriff's Office Invites Community to Coffee with a Cop in Buellton – Santa Barbara County Sherif...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
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📢 WE`RE HIRING! JOIN OUR TEAM!
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff`s Office is looking for an enthusiastic, organized, and customer-service-oriented professional to join our team as an Administrative Office Professional I/II!
Are you someone who enjoys keeping things running smoothly, takes pride in providing excellent service, and thrives in a team-oriented environment? This could be the opportunity you`ve been looking for!
As an Administrative Office Professional, you`ll play an important role in supporting the daily operations of the Sheriff`s Office, working alongside dedicated professionals who serve and support our community.
Apply today by visiting:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
☕ Coffee, conversation, and community! 🚔
Buellton, you`re invited! Join us for Coffee with a Cop at Zaca Coffee! Meet your local deputies and Buellton`s new Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tom Green, for some friendly conversation over a cup of coffee.
No speeches, no agendas — just an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and get to know the people who serve your community.
📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Zaca Coffee | 240 E. Highway 246, #109, Buellton
☕ FREE drip coffee, generously provided by Zaca Coffee!
Everyone is welcome, and no RSVP is needed. Stop by, say hello, and grab a cup with us!
A big thank-you to @zacacoffee for hosting! 💚
🎃👻 It’s time to pick your favorite pumpkin!
Our Sheriff’s Office team brought their creativity to this year’s pumpkin decorating contest, and now it’s YOUR turn to choose the winner! 🏆
🗳️ Cast your vote by commenting the number of your favorite pumpkin below!
⏰ Voting closes Friday, October 30, at midnight!
🎃 We’ll announce the winning pumpkin on Halloween! 🧡
Happy voting! 🎃
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! 🇺🇸🏈
