Santa Barbara Police Chief Barney Melekian is one of the most respected people in law enforcement throughout the nation.
He currently is serving as interim police chief at a time of major transition and turmoil at City Hall.
In this podcast, Melekian opens up about his thoughts on the Community Formation Commission and the eventual Civil Review System.
Many members of the community pushed for a civilian review board after the murder of George Floyd.
Melekian also talks about implicit bias training, diversity of the police force, and the challenges that law enforcement faces in Santa Barbara.
“They are faced with an incredibly complex and difficult task,” Melekian said. “One of the challenges of the past year and a half has been the narrative that policing, and by extension, the people who practice it, are somehow bad.”
Melekian also shares his hopes for new Mayor Randy Rowse, and what he hopes the former councilman will bring to the City Council. To watch the podcast on You Tube, click below.
This is a revealing conversation with Santa Barbara’s top cop. For the streaming version, click below.
Santa Barbara Talks with JOSH MOLINA · Santa Barbara Talks Podcast 88: Police Chief Barney Melekian