Isla Vista Halloween crime statistics by the numbers
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reports that for the fifth year in a row, Halloween in Isla Vista was safe and uneventful.
Authorities say the partygoers were mostly locals with attendance declining each year resulting in fewer arrests, citations and medical transports. The largest crowd gathering was on Saturday night outside the Thunderdome where students lined up to attend a UCSB student-only concert.
The following Halloween in IV statistics include arrest and citation numbers from both the Sheriff’s Office and the UCSB Police Department:
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Crowd Estimate:
12-15,000
2-3,000
500-1,000
No Crowd
No Crowd
No Crowd
Arrests:
225
42
45
26
19
9
Citations:
249
68
44
46
13
35
Medical Transports:
51
11
9
13
10
2
Operational Period
4 days
2 days
2 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
There were only two medical transports for alcohol intoxication, and of the nine arrests, the majority were for public intoxication.
The decrease in crowds and incident over the past several years during Halloween in Isla Vista has allowed law enforcement to reduce the number of resources spent on the Halloween operation there.
Along with the Halloween week’s statistics, the Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:
“The Sheriff’s Office wants to once again thank the students of UCSB and Santa Barbara City College for keeping the celebration local and not inviting out of towners. We appreciate their ongoing cooperation and willingness to help protect their community and keep it safe.”
“Thank you as well to all of the Isla Vista stakeholders and the Isla Vista Safe Committee who have worked together the past several years to promote a sense of pride and accountability for the reputation of the community. The Sheriff’s Office also appreciates the support from the Isla Vista community, including property owners and managers.”
“The University sponsored concert was helpful also by providing an alternative to partying and promoted a locals-only vibe. The Festival Ordinance which prohibits amplified music and strict parking restrictions also played a key role in discouraging out-of-towners from coming to the area.”
“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the City of Goleta for once again enacting resident-only parking restrictions in Isla Vista adjacent areas…The Sheriff’s Office wants to recognize and appreciate our first responders for their collaboration and dedication to keep Isla Vista safe.”
