A new Community Resource Deputy is now working in the Isla Vista community.
Senior Deputy Justin Schroeder is a 13-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. He began his new assignment on November 5.
Sr. Deputy Schroeder says he is excited about the new role and wants to have a positive impact on the community.
He is already very connected to the area. The sheriff’s office says he is a third generation local of the Santa Barbara and Goleta area. He graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta and Santa Barbara City College.
Over the course of his career, he has worked in the Santa Barbara County Jail, courts, and on patrol. His wife works at UCSB.
“Justin is a good fit for the position not only because of his experience but he is personally invested in Isla Vista,” said Lt. Camarena who oversees the Isla Vista Foot Patrol.
Schroeder is replacing Sr. Deputy James McKarrell who was the first Isla Vista Community Resource Deputy. McKarrell held the position for three years but is now working as a Crisis Intervention Team deputy.
The sheriff’s office says community resource deputies play an important role in the community policing philosophy.
The community is invited to meet Schroeder on Tuesday, November 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pizza My Heart, located at 6533 Triggo Road in Isla Vista.
Schroeder says he hopes people will attend the Pizza with a Cop event and meet him.
“My main goal is to bring the community of Isla Vista and law enforcement closer together through education, outreach and partnerships. I truly want to meet with everyone in Isla Vista and hear their concerns personally,” said Schroeder.
