Detective Joshua Cockrell

Joshua Cockrell has been a sworn Deputy Sheriff in Santa Barbara County since December 2007.  During this time, he has been assigned to Patrol, and Court Services.  He has been a Field Training Officer, held the rank of Supervising Senior Deputy, and a member of the Mounted Unit, Hostage Negotiation Team, and Special Enforcement Team.  He is currently assigned as a Detective in the Special Investigation Bureau, and has been a part of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force since May 2018.  His assignment involves identifying victims of human trafficking, and apprehending traffickers or “pimps.”  In order to do this, he conducts proactive operations and stings, browses social media, reads and investigates initial reports as well as suspected child abuse reports, contacts known prostitutes and survivors, and speaks at public places and events to raise awareness.