The Isla Vista Foot Patrol’s top officer, Lt. Brian Olmstead, has taken an extended leave of absence in order to attend a training session at the FBI National Academy in Virginia. Sgt. Erik Raney took over for Olmstead in December and will continue to oversee the Foot Patrol station for the next three months. Raney has held several positions throughout his 15-year career with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Dept., including detective, coroner’s assistant and public information officer. He has also served as deputy and senior deputy with the I.V. Foot Patrol.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Raney said. “I’ve worked in nearly all of our stations throughout the county, including two tours in Isla Vista. I love working in Isla Vista. This station and this community is something I keep coming back to.”

Raney said that Isla Vista residents should not expect any alteration in Foot Patrol enforcement during his interim leadership position.

“I don’t plan on changing anything about the relationship with the university and the student groups and the community of I.V.,” Raney said. “We have a good working relationship with all the different stakeholders in Isla Vista.”

Raney also said he met with several Isla Vista community groups prior to Olmstead’s departure in order to provide a smooth and seamless transition.

According to the FBI Web site, around 250 officers throughout the year are invited to enroll in undergraduate and graduate level courses at the Quantico, Virginia campus concerning law enforcement administration. Coursework examines topics such as leadership development, forensic science, behavioral science, terrorism and various other areas of interest.

The FBI National Academy was created in 1935 in order to reconcile differences in law enforcement throughout the U.S. According to the website, the academy’s mission is to “support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.”