To prepare for this weekend’s influx of activity due to Fiesta events, the Santa Barbara Police Department is boosting its forces. Police spokesperson Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte explained that in addition to the regular patrol strength of approximately 130 sworn and reserve officers, the department will also utilize help from other agencies in the region. On the busiest days, Friday and Saturday, the department expects more than 50 officers from outside agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies from Lompoc, Oxnard, and Santa Maria.
According to Duarte, the majority of the resources will be concentrated in the downtown area between the 400 and 1200 blocks of State Street, surrounding De la Guerra Plaza and the parade routes.
Officers will have a special focus on bike patrol, as well as DUI and gang suppression teams.