Sidebar Widgets

Contact Information

Nicole Kasper, Administrative Assistant to Chief of Police

NKasper@sbpd.com

Carol Lupo, Administrative Assistant, Fire Department

CLupo@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Title

Fire & Police Commission

In 1874, the Pioneer Fire Company No. 1 was organized. Crime was infrequent in Santa Barbara in the 1800's and major felonies were so rare that it was not considered necessary to form a police force until 1900. In 1927 the City Council formed the Fire and Police Commission to ensure the smooth and professional functioning of the two departments.

The Commissioners organized the departments into their present form, establishing their salaries and ranks and hiring chiefs. Major actions taken by either the Police or Fire Department had to be approved by the Commission. This arrangement came to an end in 1967 with the reconstitution of the Commission by the City Council, at which time the Fire and Police Departments became responsible for their own operations, with the Fire and Police Commission acting solely in an advisory capacity.

Learn more about serving on this advisory group.

General Functions

Advise the City Council and City Administrator in all matters relating to efficient and adequate fire and police protection for the City.

  • Recommend rules and regulations concerning the operation and conduct of the Fire and Police Departments.
  • Consider with the Fire and Police Chiefs an annual budget and make recommendations to the City Council and City Administrator.
  • Recommend to the City Council and City Administrator appointments to the offices of Fire Chief and Police Chief.
  • Exercise such other functions, powers and duties not inconsistent with the City Charter as may be prescribed by ordinance.   

Committee Functions

Membership

5 Members

Qualifications

Must be qualified electors of the City

Length of Term

Four years and until successors are appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year.

Meeting Schedule

The Commission meets at the Fire Department, 121 W. Carrillo Street, on the 4th Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Date, time, and place of regular meetings may be changed from time to time.
PLEASE REFER TO THE CURRENT MEETING AGENDA FOR MEETING TIME AND PLACE INFORMATION.

Time Involved

Approximately 3 hours per month for meetings and related activities

Financial Disclosure Requirement

Members are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Ethics Training Requirement

The City of Santa Barbara requires members of this commission to take City ethics training within one year after member is appointed or reappointed. 

Compensation

None.

Staff

Fire Department: (805) 965-5254
Police Department: (805) 897-2300

Reference

City Charter Sections 800 - 805, and 816; Municipal Code Sections 2.08.020.I and 9.118.010; Resolution No. 95-158.   

Formation of 1926 City Charter