March 28, 2024

City officials announced this week that Michael Barnett has taken over as captain of the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station effective April 22, 2011. Captain Barnett has been with the sheriff’s department for more than 19 years. He worked as a deputy sheriff from 1992 to 2001; as a sheriff’s sergeant from 2001 to 2006; as a sheriff’s lieutenant from 2007 to 2011. This is his first assignment as a sheriff’s captain.

During his tenure with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Captain Barnett has been assigned to various areas including detentions, central investigations, internal affairs and intelligence. He also has extensive operational experience, which will be used in his new role as captain.

Barnett’s last assignment was substation commander of the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation, which is the department’s largest substation. In that role, Barnett had overall command of the 40 employees and 70 volunteers at the substation. He also managed a $5.1 million budget and oversaw the 137-square-mile jurisdiction. During the first three months of 2011, the substation area realized a 35 percent crime drop.

Captain Barnett holds several Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificates and a bachelor of arts degree in speech communication from San Diego State University. Captain Barnett’s transfer to the San Marcos station comes after the former captain of the station, Kirby Beyer, was promoted to commander.

“Captain Barnett is a well-respected member of the sheriff’s department and we are fortunate to have this capable lawman assigned to our City,” said City Manager Paul Malone.