A County Service Area (CSA) is a dependent special district established under the California County Service Area Law (Government Code § 25210.1 et seq.). Originally enacted in 1953 and substantially revised in 2008 through SB 1458, the law authorizes counties to provide specific services or enhanced levels of county services within designated unincorporated areas. A County Service Area is governed by the county's Board of Supervisors and serves as a funding mechanism for services that primarily benefit residents within the defined service area.
County Service Area (CSA) 38 was established on January 12, 1983, to fund enhanced law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. Prior to its creation, the Cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola provided patrol services beyond their city boundaries in certain unincorporated areas. As those cities discontinued providing these services, the County assumed responsibility for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas.
CSA 38 provides a dedicated funding source through property tax revenues to support Sheriff's Office patrol operations serving residents of the unincorporated county. This funding helps ensure that law enforcement services are provided to areas outside incorporated city limits.
Sheriff's patrol operations in the unincorporated county are organized into two patrol teams covering 11 geographic beats and operate across three shifts to provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage. In addition to routine patrol and emergency response, deputies support specialized public safety services, including Search and Rescue, the Air Support Unit, the Bomb Team, SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, and the K-9 Unit. These specialized teams provide critical resources that enhance public safety and assist during emergencies and major incidents throughout Santa Cruz County. Monthly service call data is available on the Sheriff’s website.