District Attorney Joyce Dudley, Sheriff Bill Brown, and Fire Chief Mark Hartwig held a joint press conference on public safety on April 7, 2020. A video of the entire press conference is available to watch at https://youtu.be/8rqlKElFZ-c.

District Attorney Joyce Dudley emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to watch out for our most vulnerable. DA Dudley believes people are experiencing elevated levels of in-home abuse: Domestic Violence, Spousal Rape, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse and Animal Abuse and encouraged those victims or witnesses to call 911. In situations where they cannot call 911, she urged them to call a District Attorney Victim/Witness Advocate at 805-568-2400.

The District Attorney also stated that at this time, she believes the above in-home crimes are being grossly under-reported and that vulnerable members of our community’s lives are at stake.

Ms. Dudley emphasized that now, more than ever, family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and even strangers must pay attention and report any concerns they have to their local law enforcement agency. DA Dudley added that community members should not hesitate to call 911 if they SEE, HEAR or SENSE that a vulnerable member of the community needs medical or legal help. Additionally, DA Dudley emphasized how important it is for pharmacists, grocery store personnel, package and mail deliverers and gas station attendants to realize that they may be someone’s only chance of avoiding continuous abuse. Ms. Dudley assured the community that this is local law enforcement agencies countywide highest priority and the only chance they have to respond is if a caring person calls 911.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for police services. To reach the non-emergency dispatch line, call 805-683-2724.