Children invited to participate in Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Pen Pal Program

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is making a call to all children to send in their hand-written letters and participate in the department’s Deputy Pen Pal Program.

The program serves as an avenue for children to not only practice their writing skills but to build a positive relationship with law enforcement in our community.

Deputy Shae Green created the program in 2016 and said she enjoy’s writing and receiving letters from children throughout Santa Barbara County. Deputy Green patrols the Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation and surrounding Santa Ynez Valley community.

She hopes to expand the program further this year.

“I’ve received many wonderful letters since the beginning of this program and it is refreshing because every child has expressed their appreciation for first responders,” said Deputy Green.

“Growing up, I always looked up to first responders. They truly were my heroes. I wanted to create a program where children can express themselves and build a friendship they can take with them anywhere. I’m hoping this program generates excitement with children because the entire experience of writing, receiving, and reading letters is often lost in today’s digital age,” she added.

So parents, if you have children that are interested in having a Sheriff’s deputy as their Pen Pal, send letters to:

Deputy Pen Pal Program
Solvang Sheriff’s Substation
1745 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463