SOUTH STATION

THE SHERIFF’S SOUTH STATION

proudly served the residents and visitors of southern San Luis Obispo County in 2021. This division of the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing service to approximately 40,000 residents in an area of approximately 850 square miles. The communities served by the South Station are as follows: unincorporated Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Nipomo, Halcyon, Los Berros, Huasna, and New Cuyama. The response area is bordered on the north by Avila Beach, west by the Pacific Ocean, south by the Santa Barbara County Line, and east by the Kern County Line.

The South Station is led by a commander and two sergeants who supervise the staff of 24 dedicated sheriff deputies. There are two dedicated school resource deputies, one rural crime deputy, and one K-9 Handler, whose partner, Corvin, is a four-year old German Shepherd. Rounding out the staff at the station are two legal clerks and several volunteers. Many of the deputies at South Station also have collateral duties on the bike team, Marine Enforcement Unit, Special Enforcement Detail, Honor Guard, and Mutual Aid and Public Safety (MAPS) team.

The South Station responded to over 23,014 calls for service and completed 2,617 reports. Reported criminal activity ranged from theft and property crimes to assault. Mail theft, catalytic convertor theft, and identity theft continue to be significant in this area. Though crimes of violence remain a small percentage of the overall calls for service, they continue to have an impact on the safety and security of this area. South Station deputies are called upon to investigate thefts, vandalism, public disturbances, and situations that erode the quality of life for the public. Cases involving mental illness, drugs, alcohol, and homelessness are daily occurrences. Each situation presents challenges, and the deputies serve all sectors of the population with dedication and professionalism. This year saw the return of Los Padres National Forest patrols by sheriff’s deputies as well as patrols at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. These functions provide safety to those visiting the outdoors for recreation throughout San Luis Obispo County.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to affect daily operations. 2021 was a year of regular staffing adjustment to meet the needs of the communities the South Station serves and balanced with the safety of their deputies. For that reason, many of the South Station’s volunteers have been unable to resume their complete duties that support the Sheriff’s office and the communities. The South Station looks forward to seeing their Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol (SAVP) return to its pre-pandemic staffing and visibility.

THE SOUTH STATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COMMUNITIES THAT THEY SERVE FOR THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES.