Mug books of the past have been replaced by computer databases now. Before the days of computers and databases, they served as an effective method for law enforcement to keep track of past criminals and wanted people. Two of these books are held by the Gledhill Library at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Our society was permitted to digitize and transcribe these books.
Book A appears to be a record of known criminals outside of Santa Barbara. It was compiled by M. N. Hicks of the Sheriff’s Department beginning in July 1898 and continuing until September 1911. Book B seems to be a record of arrests in Santa Barbara County.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s website lists the sheriffs and the years they were in office.
Search the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Criminal Records in our database here.
