THW Vol. 1, Issue 1
Activations
Kern County Assist in Guadalupe
The Special Enforcement Team has been called upon several times over the past few months to assist with apprehensions and warrant services. In December 2022, Kern County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office to assist with a kidnapping investigation. Based on the circumstances of the case, SET was activated. The investigation took the team to a location in Guadalupe, where arrest and search warrants were safely served.
Stearns Wharf Homicide
In January, the team was contacted by Santa Barbara Police Department to assist with the arrest of a suspect connected to a homicide that occurred at Stearns Wharf in December 2022. SET maintains an excellent working relationship with our allied partners and were happy to assist. A multi-location warrant service was executed by SBPD and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. SBSO SET was able to safely take their suspect into custody in the 500 block of W. Canon Perdido Street. SET appreciates being able to help our allied agencies to ensure community safety.
Santa Maria Attempted Kidnapping
In January 2023, SBSO deputies responded to an attempted kidnapping involving the use of a firearm. The suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies. After extensive investigative efforts by detectives and patrol deputies, the suspect was located in a vehicle in Santa Maria. SET was activated and created a plan to contain, and arrest, the suspect as he was parked and sitting in his vehicle in a Denny’s Restaurant parking lot. The suspect ultimately complied and was taken into custody without incident. A search of the suspect’s vehcile yielded a pistol loaded with a high-capacity magazine directly under the driver seat.
The Special Enforcement Team may be activated day or night, 365 days per year. SET prides itself on successful execution of any task they are assigned. SET’s mission-readiness and capabilities would not be possible without the equipment and training so graciously acquired through the efforts of the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation, Inc.
Equipment
Body Armor
In May 2022, members of the Special Enforcement Team began contacting body armor and carrier vest manufacturers in an effort to modernize the vests and armor currently issued to team personnel. SET currently deploys with the Crye Precision “Cage Plate Carrier.” Although the Crye Precision CPC has served team members well over the years, it is nearing 10 years in age. The body armor is also beyond its warrantied lifespan. Product innovation and safety has increased during that time. After testing several different brands of body armor and carriers, and speaking to various law enforcement agencies and operators, SET awarded a $100,000 contract to Tyr Tactical. After the vests are made, the entire team will be outfitted with their Tyr Tactical Epic Federal Outer Carrier, additional optional ballistic protection, SHERIFF ID placards, and improved body armor.
The Tyr Tactical Epic Federal vest was purpose-built and designed for Federal Law Enforcement as a scalable and adjustable tactical armor carrier. This full coverage vest provides the wearer with full wrap side armor protection, and armored quick detach cummerbund, padded armored shoulders, two internal magazine pouches, administrative pocket, zip-on back panel, and ID placards standard. Its internal plate pocket accepts various plate shapes and allows the wearer to quickly add rifle protection when needed. Of the vests that were tested and evaluated, SET determined the Epic Federal to be the best fitting, and best ballistic performing, vest on the market. This carrier utilizes Tyr’s patented PV material as well as its patented ballistic vein.
The Tyr Tactical Epic Federal vest and armor are lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than the equipment currently being used by SET. This translates to better comfort, less fatigue, increased operator safety, and the ability to stand up to harsh conditions that tactical vests and armor are regularly subjected to.
SET’s ability to modernize their issued body armor and carrier vests would not be possible without the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation and its benefactors. The team is proud to serve the citizens of Santa Barbara County and extremely grateful for the generous donations that made this project possible.
Members of SET, meeting with Tyr Tactical representatives, at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.
Suppressors
In February 2023, the Special Enforcement Team began the testing and evaluating suppressors from various manufacturers. Some of the units being tested were from Surefire, HUXWRX (pronounced “hucks works”), and Sig Sauer.
Many law enforcement agencies are beginning to add suppressors to their patrol rifles, and several tactical teams are also starting to utilize suppressors. The reduction of sound to the shooter is the primary benefit of adding a suppressor to a firearm.
The average gunshot, unsuppressed, is between 165-170 decibels (dB). At 140 dB, the National Institute of Health and Safety (NIOHS) states instant hearing damage can be done. Suppressed rifles measure approximately 140dB, and adding quality ear protection can bring the sound level down to approximately 120db
Deputies assigned to SET fire over 4,000 rounds per year between regular training, attending specialized shooting courses, and shooting on their own free time. Hearing damage and loss are real threats to team members over the course of their career.
All of the suppressors offer different benefits when compared against one another: ease of attachment, superior sound suppression, less exposure to harmful gasses, and minimal point of shift / impact. Most of the suppressors are similarly priced at around $1200. Members will continue to test and evaluate the various suppressors in hopes of identifying the one that best fits the needs of the team.
Community
1st Annual Joey De Anda Memorial Fun Run
On January 8, 2022, the world lost an amazing human being. Joey De Anda was a Santa Barbara County Firefighter-Paramedic and also assigned as a Tactical Medic to the Special Enforcement Team. Joey’s infectious smile lit up the room and you couldn’t help but happy anytime Joey was around. Joey tragically passed away during a skiing accident at China Peak Mountain.
On January 7, 2023 (just one day shy of the anniversary of his passing) Joey’s fiancé, Melissa Newman, organized the “1st Annual Joey De Anda Memorial Fun Run.” The event was held at Waller Park and attended by several of those whose lives were positively impacted by Joey. There was a great turnout for the event, and everyone had a great time connecting and retelling their favorite memories of Joey. We look forward to participating in future runs to honor Joey and his legacy. We miss you, Joey!!!
Solvang Middle School “Career Day”
On March 31, 2023, Solvang Middle School hosted a “Career Day.” Approximately 10 different careers were on campus to showcase what their jobs entailed. Each career was a different “station,” and students had the ability to choose four stations to visit. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office had members from the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), K9, and SET. Members from the Sheriff’s Office were able to answer any questions the students had about a career in law enforcement, including providing information about joining the Sheriff’s Office Explorer’s Program. Thank you to Solvang Middle School for allowing the Sheriff’s Office to be part of “Career Day!”
Anyone who would like to know more information about the Sheriff’s Office Explorer's Program may contact Sr. Deputy Dave Robertson at: dar3049@sbsheriff.org
Questions, comments, or THW newsletter ideas can be sent to: matt@sbsetfoundation.org
