The rocky relationship between Isla Vista residents and law enforcement sometimes seems as old as the concept of policing itself. While the friction has improved dramatically over the years — I don’t think anyone believes we’ll ever see another bank burning — both sides still struggle to articulate their perspectives to the other. But starting last month, a few dozen I.V. residents are getting the opportunity to learn what it takes to enforce the law.
The first-ever Citizens Academy for Santa Barbara County college students and Isla Vista residents, put on by the county Sheriff’s Office and the UCSB Police Department, is providing UCSB and SBCC students as well as other I.V. residents a behind-the-scenes experience.
“The reality of [Isla Vista] is that students are basically in charge of this community,” said Isla Vista Community Resources Deputy James McKarrell. “And we felt it was very important to bridge that gap and form a relationship with the community, which is the students.”