Meet Goleta’s New Chief of Police Services

Council Welcomes Lt. Jarrett Morris and Thanks Lt. Vasquez

The City of Goleta has a new Chief of Police Services. Lt. Jarrett Morris brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In this role, Lt. Morris oversees the Goleta Police Department, which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

Goleta’s City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “This is an important position for the City and we are pleased to have such a seasoned and dedicated law enforcement professional to help maintain a safe community and continue to provide the high level of service our residents expect.”

Lt. Morris said, “I am honored to serve the Goleta community in this leadership role. With my extensive experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office—including overseeing the K9 program and managing critical incident responses—I am committed to building strong community partnerships, enhancing proactive policing, and ensuring Goleta remains one of the safest cities in the region.”

Lt. Morris began his career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. He has held a wide variety of assignments, including custody operations, patrol, gang and narcotics investigations, coroner’s detective sergeant, K9 unit coordinator, mobile field force leader, and peer support coordinator. He has responded to multiple mass casualty incidents and played a key role in death investigations, including the 2019 Conception boat fire and Lahaina Fire in Maui. Most recently, Lt. Morris has served as the Sheriff’s Adjutant, while also overseeing the Coroner’s Bureau and agency wellness programs.

Lt. Morris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Union Institute and University.

Lt. Morris was formally introduced at the January 20th Goleta City Council meeting. At the same meeting, the City Council thanked outgoing Chief of Police Services, Lt. Frank Vasquez, who was presented with a tile thanking him for his service to Goleta. We wish Lt. Vasquez the best of luck in his new assignment overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Contract Bureau.

We look forward to working with Lt. Morris and continuing our strong partnership with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to keep Goleta safe.

Lt. Morris in front of City Hall


Lt. Vasquez receiving his tile at the January 20 Council meeting