I'm a student, and I.V. is a student community. We're not bad people. Why do we need cops at all?

The answer to that is easy--Foot Patrol is there for your protection. Close to 25% of all serious crime in Santa Barbara County occurs in Isla Vista. That figure includes Burglary, Robbery, Grand Theft, Sexual Assault, and other violent crimes.

Just for the record: UCSB students account for about 60 % of I.V.'s population and 35% of it's crime.


O.K., I.V. has some crime. But I see cops everywhere. Why do we need so many officers?

Approximately 17,000 people live in the 6/10ths of a square mile that is Isla Vista. On weekends, when outsiders come to party, the population can explode to 30,000 or 40,000. More people mean more problems--especially when they're drunk or under the influence of drugs. More problems mean more law enforcement presence.


Why do we have to have a law that says we can't drink in public? People are going to drink anyway, what difference does it make where you do it?

Drinking in a private home or apartment, or even in a bar, puts you in a somewhat controlled and safer environment. People who are drinking are less likely to have a violent confrontation indoors with their friends than outdoors with strangers on the street. If you are drinking or drunk on the street, your chances of getting into a violent situation with someone you don't know are much higher. Likewise, violent sexual assaults are more likely to occur on a darkened street than at a house party.


I hear there's a "noise ordinance" in Isla Vista. What is it and why do we have to have it?

Historically, loud music and party noise have been the leading cause of combat between neighbors in Isla Vista late at night. That's why the law says loud music must stop at midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Check our section , The Law Says for the specifics.


How do I report that my bicycle has been stolen?

If your bicycle was stolen out of the Isla Vista area you need to contact the Isla Vista Foot Patrol as soon as possible. If the theft occurred on the UCSB Campus, contact the University Police Department. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you have your bicycle licensed with the UCPD upon your arrival in the area. This will assist you in the reporting the theft of your bicycle. Recovery rates for bicycles increase significantly with serial number information


Does the Isla Vista Foot Patrol sell abandoned bicycles to the public?

No. The bicycles we collect are given to an auctioneer in Central California, who in turn, sells them to certified bicycle shops. The money earned is given back to the Santa Barbara County general fund. The University CSO's hold two bicycle auctions per year for bicycles found or recovered on University property.


Can I park my car in the middle of the street where the street dead-ends at the UCSB Campus?

No. You will be issued a citation for "Parking in a NO PARKING ZONE."


Can I park my car in front of the bank ATM located on Embarcadero Del Norte?

DEFINITELY NOT. This is the only ATM located in Isla Vista and everyone uses it. The curb in front of the ATM is RED. A RED ZONE means "NO STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING AT ANY TIME." This area is not to be used for a quick stop to get money. If you decide to violate the red zone, you WILL be issued a citation.


If I receive a citation for "Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia," will the ticket end up on my criminal record?

No. The charge is a violation of a Santa Barbara County Ordinance (an infraction). A fine will be imposed which you will be required to pay. If you fail to take care of the citation, a county bench warrant will be issued for your arrest.


If I receive a citation for illegal parking, can I fight the ticket or do I just pay the fine?

If you believe you were cited in error, you may send a letter (along with the citation) to an office located in Southern California requesting the citation be rescinded. If you just want to pay for the ticket, that must also be sent through the mail. Specific instructions are located on the back of the citation.


Can I get fingerprinted at the Foot Patrol Office?

No. The Sheriff's Department Main Station located in Santa Barbara can do fingerprinting. This service is available during the week and a small fee is required.


If I see something suspicious, what should I do??

Whether you are at home or out at the beach, call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to provide a description of the subject(s) and explain in detail what was suspicious about them. If the subject was on foot or in a vehicle, try to provide a direction of travel.


How can I prevent my apartment or house from being burglarized?

Always remember to lock your doors and windows. In three out of four cases, the method of entry into a residence was through an open window or unlocked door. In Isla Vista, a lot of students believe all their neighbors are friends, so they leave their doors unlocked. Please, don't make this mistake or you could become a victim.


How can I keep my compact discs from being stolen?

Always remember to keep your property locked up. You can mark your CD's with your name and driver's license number or telephone number, either on the CD or the case. That way, if they are stolen, they can more easily be recovered. It is a great idea to mark ALL your valuables (TV, VCR, computer, stereo, etc.).


How late can I play my stereo in Isla Vista?

You can play your music at any time of the day or night unless someone calls in a complaint about it. However, there are some restrictions that apply specifically to amplified music. Where the music can be heard 100 feet from your property, your stereo can be played until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday nights, and until Midnight on Friday and Saturday nights only. (SB Co. Ordinance 40-2) If you violate this ordinance, you WILL receive a citation


What can I do if I have a monetary problem with a roommate or landlord?

These problems are civil in nature and can only be handled by a civil or small claims court. You need to contact an attorney or ombudsman at the university for assistance.


If I am 21 years of age or older, can I carry an open container with an alcoholic beverage in the street or other public place?

No. You will be in violation of SB Co. Ordinance 36-3 and will receive a citation.


Is it legal to have a "KEG" party and charge admission?

No. There are certain ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) laws that prohibit this activity. If you have a party, ensure that all persons consuming alcohol are at least 21 years old. You could be responsible for a minor's actions if an incident involving alcohol occurs.


How did I end up with a warrant for my arrest? All I did was forget to take care of a citation I received a few months ago.

Any time you receive a citation, you are responsible for taking care of it by the due date located on the bottom of the ticket. If you fail to contact the court, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. At this point you are subject to arrest at any time.