Santa Barbara police see recent events as a time to grow community partnerships

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara Police Chief Lori Luhnow is working with her staff and members of the public to have a dialogue about recent rallies and a call for changes in police enforcement protocols.

Sunday's event at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse drew about 3,000 people. It was followed by a march for several blocks that brought the group to the police station on Figueroa Street.

Officers in riot protective gear were positioned in a line across the street. Mayor Cathy Murillo was also there.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, public comments included strong feedback from those at the event who felt the city's response with heavily armed officers was inappropriate since the event was non-violent.

Multiple speakers made the point repeatedly.

In an online session, councilmembers were joined by Chief Luhnow who said, "We have had officers in L.A. that have been actively deployed in riots that were violent. I am not at all saying we saw that violence here but I am saying we can do better."

She encouraged more conversations and meetings ahead. "We are at our best when our community partners with us," said Luhnow.

She said the last week is, "highlighting an opportunity for this agency to grow. We pride ourselves on being a learning organization."

Luhnow says her staff is willing to participate in acts of solidarity, "to move forward and meet some of the objectives and desires by Black Lives Matter."