Police Response to Public Gathering Sunday, September 17

On Sunday, September 17, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., the Santa Barbara Police Department became aware of a large crowd of people near the intersection of Garden Street and East Micheltorena Street. This gathering was in response to a disturbing video of an interaction between two individuals posted on social media.

In the video, a woman stated, “I work for the police.” The woman has no affiliation with the Santa Barbara Police Department and the Police Department does not condone her behavior.

During the gathering, the group walked to the front of the Police Department and continued to express outrage over the troubling video. After a short while, the group returned to the area of Garden and East Micheltorena Street and dispersed.

The video posted on social media understandably stirred emotions and reactions within our community. The Police Department monitored the gathering and supports the right for all individuals to peacefully assemble in order to voice their concerns.