Please click on the links below for additional program information:
Special Operations Section
The Special Operations Section (S.O.S.) has many responsibilities that include education, crime prevention, and providing public information about services the department offers. The unit also coordinates our downtown Police Bicycle Patrol, the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS), and acts as a liaison with the State of California Alcohol Beverage Control to deal with licensee needs and problems. S.O.S. also provides input on a variety of issues that include environmental design for new and existing construction and City legislative issues. The Unit spends substantial time working on special projects to help neighborhoods or the business community deal with unique problems than may involve graffiti, gangs, drug trafficking, noise and alcohol problems. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The following is a listing of some of the programs offered by the S.O.S.:
Downtown Bicycle Patrol
Officers assigned to this unit use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. We have found that the bicycles make citizens feel more comfortable and allow more interaction with the officers. The officers have also found that the bicycles allows them to be more visible and enables them to have more access to their patrol area. The officers are allowed great flexibility in determining the needs of the downtown area and are responsible for developing proactive strategies to deal with problems. Their goal is to help provide a safe downtown through Community Oriented Policing.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is one of the best crime prevention programs that property owners can do for themselves. It is essentially neighbors working together with their police department to protect their property and family. To start a Neighborhood Watch group you should contact your immediate neighbors to determine if there is any interest. You or a neighbor need to be willing to provide a place to meet. Meetings are generally on a front lawn, a back yard, or inside the home. Initial meetings are conducted with the assistance of a representative of the S.O.S. There is usually a presentation followed by a discussion of the problems in the neighborhood and the development of strategies to mitigate those concerns.
If you would like more information about the program, or you wish to schedule a meeting, contact the Special Operations Section at 897-4942.