Official IG for SLO County Sheriff’s Office.
Our mission is to protect all life & property & to provide service, security, & safety to the community.
This afternoon, deputies responded to a fire in Paso Robles. Thanks to a quick and coordinated effort and a neighbor who jumped in to help with a bulldozer, the fire is now out.
SLO County works together. 🚒🚔🤝
We had a great time last night at Law Enforcement Night at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market!
During National Police Week, we’re reminded not only of the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also of the strong partnerships between law enforcement and the communities we serve. We’re grateful to stand side by side with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement while spending time with the community we’re proud to protect.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and spend the evening with us. We love SLO County! đźš“đź’™
The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an update to a missing person case.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the missing person case of 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
On 5-12-2026, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach. Friends reported they became concerned when Kiehl failed to arrive at the Grover Beach train station to pick someone up as planned on 5-12-2026.
Kiehl’s vehicle was later discovered unoccupied in the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the area and began searching for Kiehl alongside the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, CAL OES and Cal Fire. Search efforts continued for two days but Kiehl was not located.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and are speaking with witnesses who may have seen Kiehl prior to his disappearance.
If anyone has information on his whereabouts or believes they had contact with Kiehl anywhere in the Pirates Cove area or any surrounding beaches on 5-11-2026 or 5-12-26, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
The Sheriff's Office has issued a release regarding a missing person.
On 5-12-2026, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach.
The missing person has been identified as 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
Friends reported they had become worried when Kiehl was supposed to pick someone up on 5-12-2026 at the Grover Beach train station but failed to show. The last known contact with Kiehl was on 5-11-2026 at 2:00 PM.
Kiehl's vehicle was later discovered unoccupied at the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the location and began searching for Kiehl which lasted into the overnight hours on 5-13-2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search.
This is a joint operation with the cellular forensic team FALCON from the California Office of Emergency services, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, Harbor Patrol, and Cal Fire's water rescue craft.
Kiehl is described as an adult White male, 5' 10" tall, 180 pounds, brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kiehl has no history of prior missing person reports. Kiehl is said to enjoy walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Cove area. At this time, this incident is not considered suspicious.
If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 805-781-4550.
From assisting with road closures at the Chimney Rock Road fire, to staffing a recruitment booth at the SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo, our volunteers wear a lot of hats — and apparently now a little pink, too. 💗🚓
These photos are all from just this weekend and show just how much our Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol members do across the county. We’re incredibly grateful for the time, flexibility, and dedication our SAVP members bring to the Sheriff’s Office and the community every day. Thank you for all you do!
This past weekend, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was proud to participate in the Cambria Fire Department Open House at Station 57 alongside many of our public safety and community partners.
The event gave community members an opportunity to meet first responders, learn more about emergency preparedness, explore equipment and resources, and connect with agencies serving the North Coast.
Thank you to Cambria Fire for having us, and to everyone who came out to say hello! đźš’đźš“
The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an at-risk missing person being located.
On 5-11-2026, at approximately 9:00 AM, at-risk missing person, 92-year-old Ruby Hamane was safely located.
She was found by neighbors in the 5600 block of Park Hill Road in Santa Margarita, just a short distance from her home.
Ruby went missing yesterday after she was seen walking away from her residence.
Ruby is being treated by medics on scene and is being reunited with her family.
5 years ago today, San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti was killed in the line of duty while protecting the community he loved.
His End of Watch was May 10, 2021.
But his impact, his service, and his memory live on every day.
Today, we remember Detective Benedetti #4223 and honor a life dedicated to serving others.
Never forgotten. đź’™
It’s been a great week celebrating and appreciating our Correctional Deputies and professional staff! From breakfasts to BBQs hosted by Custody Administration, we’ve enjoyed taking time to recognize the hardworking people who show up every day to serve with professionalism, resilience, and dedication.
This work is not easy, and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment our staff brings to the job each and every day. Thank you for all you do to support our facilities, our mission, and our community. #CorrectionalOfficersWeek #Gratitude #Teamwork
Today, members of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office joined law enforcement agencies from throughout the county for the San Luis Obispo County Peace Officers Memorial at Mission Plaza, hosted by the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
The ceremony honored the peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. During the memorial roll call, deputies and officers laid roses in remembrance of the 12 California peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. The ceremony also included a flyover by the Sheriff’s Office Aero Squadron, a Riderless Horse presentation by the Sheriff’s Office Posse, and a three-volley salute.
Today, we also honored San Luis Obispo County’s fallen officers, including San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti, whose end of watch was five years ago.
Some of the families of the fallen were with us today, a reminder that the loss of an officer reaches far beyond the badge. Their sacrifice is carried by loved ones, friends, coworkers, and entire communities. The impact of their service, and their loss, touches countless lives.
We remember them all and stand beside the families and our law enforcement brothers and sisters who continue to carry their memory forward. đź’™
The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding a search warrant related to the Kristin Smart investigation.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an additional investigation into the property in the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande. This investigation is related to the Kristin Smart disappearance. This activity is the result of a search warrant signed by a Superior Court judge.
The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to bringing Kristin home to her family.
No further information is available. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office will not be making any additional comment regarding this investigation.
