Mission Statement and Message from the Chief

The mission of the Santa Barbara Police Department is to provide for the public safety through the philosophy of community oriented policing. It is to protect and serve our community where all people can live in peace without fear of crime. It is to ensure a professional quality of service and accountability to the citizens of Santa Barbara and to all who should call upon our service.

Thank you for visiting the City of Santa Barbara Police Department website. As Chief of Police, I am honored to serve alongside the men and women of the Santa Barbara Police Department. We have a dedicated group of sworn officers, civilian employees and volunteers committed to public safety and service to the community. Their commitment to providing world class Community Policing to the citizens that live, work and visit our city has continually reflected the best of 21st Century policing. 

The term "Community Policing" is a philosophy for how police and communities should work together to address crime and disorder.  It's not a program, project or special unit. It is a mindset that, when executed correctly affects the thinking of every police employee, and gets infused into every police function. The nobility in policing is achieved when officer actions are centered on service, justice and fundamental fairness. The actions of any officer can, in an instant impact others for a lifetime, and even a communities for generations. Our officers are expected to constantly balance the readiness and tactical skill required of an emergency responder, with the guardianship and problem-solving resolve of a community caretaker.

On behalf of my command staff, our employees and volunteers, thank you for taking the time to learn about our Department.