Investigative Section

This unit investigates violent crimes against people and also serious property crime cases. 

Examples of such crimes are murder, rape, robbery, battery, assault with deadly weapons and similar acts, fraud, embezzlement, bad checks, grand theft auto, forgery, and burglary.

The Fingerprint/Lab Technician is responsible for processing fingerprints, photographs, and all evidence submitted for analysis.

Special Investigation Detectives work all narcotic cases and youth-related crimes.

These Detectives are called upon frequently for "expert" examination of suspected narcotic users and dealers as well as gang involvement.

Burglaries in Santa Barbara neighborhoods cost residents thousands and thousands of dollars per year in loss of property alone. Property criminals are mostly not skilled professionals, but take advantage of an easy target. Don't make it easy for them!

• Install a deadbolt lock
  Deadbolts are usually locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder should be pick resistant. Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even if you're leaving for just a few minutes during the day. The most popular times for residential burglaries are weekday daylight hours. In many burglaries, there is no forcible entry--someone forgot to lock the doors.
• Install solid doors
  Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material and each door must fit its frame securely.
• Keep garage doors closed and locked at all times
• Secure sliding doors and windows
  Cut a broom handle to the length of the bottom track so that the window or door will not slide open when forced. Also, drill one hole through both casings and sliding window and insert a nail or pin.
• Secure sash windows
  To prevent wooden sash windows from being pried open, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window through and into the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or nail. To prevent aluminum sash windows from being broken into, purchase a track lock that blocks the window track.
• Mark your property
  Mark your valuables with an engraver. Use your driver’s license number. Marking your property serves as a deterrent to would-be burglars and it helps police in identifying and return stolen property. Make a property identification list. Put warning stickers on doors and windows.
• Purchase a burglar alarm
  A home alarm system can be a very effective burglary deterrent and fit into many people's needs. Remember to test your system monthly.
• Leave a light on
  When leaving on trips, leave a light on in the bathroom. In the bedroom, attach a lamp and radio to a 24-hour electric timer set to go on at dusk and off at your bedtime. Close bedroom drapes or blinds.
• Use proper exterior lighting
  Place a light over every door. Double cones lights on each corner of the house will also light up windows.
• Work together with your neighbors
  When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbors and ask them to watch your property. Have neighbors maintain your yard. When on vacation, have someone cut grass. Shrubbery should not hide neighbors' view of windows or doors. Have someone pick up newspapers and mail. Tell neighbors to call police if they notice anything suspicious.

No one can make their home a fortress, but if you make your home just a little harder to gain access, you may deter criminals who are looking for an easy target.