OJAI : Lieutenant to Head Sheriff’s Substation

Lt. James E. Barrett, a 22-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and an 18-year Ojai resident, has been named to head the Ojai Valley substation, essentially becoming Ojai’s chief of police.

Barrett, 46, leaves his position as administrative support lieutenant to Sheriff Larry Carpenter to take the new job Sunday.

“It is a known territory for me,” he said of the Ojai Valley. “Besides, this is where I live.”

Barrett replaces Cmdr. Joe Harwell, who moves to the Ventura office, where he will be in charge of the Ventura County Jail.

Barrett will supervise a team of 30 people who patrol the unincorporated area that runs from Casitas Springs to the Santa Barbara County line.

His new territory also includes the city of Ojai, which contracts with the Sheriff’s Department for police service within the incorporated area.

Barrett , who holds a master’s degree from Cal State Northridge, was selected from among 28 candidates by the Sheriff’s Department and by Ojai city administrators.

“We are very selective in sending people to head the unincorporated areas,” Carpenter said. “Lt. Barrett is a well-respected senior officer who has a lot of experience and common sense.”