Edhat Staff
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that there is now a full-time Sheriff’s detective assigned to the Isla Vista Foot Patrol station. Detective Julio Gutierrez, a 12-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, began his new assignment today, September 26, 2017, and is a welcome addition to the Isla Vista Foot Patrol team. The presence of a full-time detective in Isla Vista will increase our ability to investigate and solve crimes that are prevalent in this compact community, which is home to a large number of college students.
According to mid-year crime stats for 2017, violent crime in Isla Vista has decreased 19% and forcible rapes decreased by 29% from 2016. The Sheriff’s Office hopes that a full time investigator dedicated to the Isla Vista area will further enhance our ability to help victims of crime in this community and hold those accountable for their actions.
Detective Gutierrez was selected for the position due to his experience the past year as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division and specifically his specialized training in sexual assault investigations. Detective Gutierrez, who is also bi-lingual, is also familiar with the area having been assigned to the Isla Vista Foot Patrol for two years during his career. Detective Gutierrez is most looking forward to working with the students, community partners and being part of a team that is operating under a true community oriented policing approach. He said, “My goal is to make a difference in the Isla Vista community. I feel fortunate that this opportunity is going to allow me to be a part of a community that has given me great experiences in my career.”
Isla Vista Foot Patrol Lieutenant Ruben Cintron is grateful to have Detective Gutierrez join the team. He said, “The detective position is a much-needed asset and it will add to our ability to better serve the community by addressing crimes in a mo re efficient manner.”
The Isla Vista Foot Patrol is made up of Sheriff’s Deputies and UCSB Police Officers who primarily patrol the area on foot or bicycle to protect and serve the large student population and other Isla Vista residents and visitors. The goal is to create a partnership between the public and law enforcement and to work together to help keep Isla Vista safe. The IVFP began in 1971 and has operated successfully under this Community Oriented Policing concept for the past 46 years.
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