Santa Barbara police double motorcycle officers, toughen drinking patrols
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara Police Department will strengthen its foot patrol and motorcycle unit as Fiesta celebrations begin this week.
The motorcycle team, which has been down to two units in recent months, is going up to four patrol officers starting Monday.
Traffic enforcement has been a priority for the department and the motorcycle units have been effective in troublesome spots including Cliff Drive, De la Vina Street, Coast Village Road, upper State Street and the core of downtown.
Common driver offenses include speeding, cell phone use, failure to yield for pedestrians and stop sign violations.
Chief Barney Melekian, serving in an interim role, says the department is also using the Volunteer in Policing team and more foot patrols to target key areas.
Melekian said for Old Spanish Days, crowds are usually the largest of the year. With no parade or mercados, the outside agencies will not be added on to the departments staffing assignments, unless there is a special need.
"Our staffing will be reduced compared to years past. We will not be bringing in additional Sheriff's deputies they are available if needed," he said. Often other agencies including officers from area cities and probation teams are on foot patrol.
Melekian said, he hopes the scaled-back Fiesta also means less problems and more community events. "The people are out here for a fun family oriented event. That they have several evenings enjoying fiesta and law enforcement is at a minimum."
During Fiesta, the department will be enforcing laws banning open containers in public along with smoking or vaping.
During COVID conditions, there was an increasing trend to use the promenade as an open container zone for some people.
Sergeant Ethan Ragsdale says the public is not allowed to order a drink at an establishment and walk outside of a designated area with it.
It is still permissible to drink in the parklets and patios under the guidelines set up for that type of expansion last year.
Officers have seen an increase in casual drinking in areas where alcohol is not allowed.
Late last week, the city said it will be searching immediately for a new City Administrator to replace Paul Casey who retires in September. Then it will fill the Chief of Police position.
Mayor Cathy Murillo said, "the new city administrator should choose the next police chief, we're waiting on that. It's get it right don't do it fast."
