New Santa Barbara Police Chief Lori Luhnow Sworn In

It’s official, Santa Barbara has a new police chief. Lori Luhnow was sworn in at Santa Barbara City Hall Monday afternoon in an emotional ceremony that included loved ones and family.

Chief Luhnow’s fiance had the honor of pinning the chief’s new SBPD badge on her. She becomes the first female police chief for the City of Santa Barbara.

“I got a call from the recruiter directly. I wasn’t looking for a Chief’s job and I couldn’t let it go. I pondered it, I did some research and everything kept falling into place to pull me to Santa Barbara. It felt like a complete fit from the beginning,” said Chief Luhnow.

Chief Luhnow said in the wake of all the police killings, she will work to protect the community and officers she serves, and reminds them that there are more supporters than opponents.

City Administrator Paul Casey called Chief Luhnow’s hiring a “home run hire.”