The Community Service Officer is a civilian position in the Police Department. Numerous cities nationwide have utilized Community Service Officers within their Police Departments for many years. In 2010 the City Auditor recommended the Police Department create the position as part of a Civilianization Audit.

The Community Service Officers are deployed in the field to assist police officers by responding to non-emergency calls for service and investigating non-violent crimes, allowing police officers to be available to respond to emergency calls for service and have more time for proactive enforcement. The Community Service Officers do not make arrests.

Visit the CSO page

SJPD’s Crime Prevention Specialists are assigned to one of the four Patrol Divisions. They provide community oriented policing and problem solving support for both the police department and those who live, work, worship and play in San Jose.

Visit the Crime Prevention Unit page

The Main Lobby or Information Center is the Customer Service counter for the San Jose Police Department.  Residents can visit the Main Lobby to report crimes in person, get answers to questions and obtain official reports and documents. 

Lobby Hours:

Monday - Thursday:  8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
(Crime reporting until 4:00 PM)
Friday - Sunday: Closed

• Lobby hours may be temporarily reduced due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The number to call to confirm the lobby is open is: (408) 277-8900
• Many of the services provided by the main lobby are also available online.
• Emergency police services are available 24 hours a day.
• Call 911 or (408) 277-8911 any hour of the day or night to report a crime or incident.

How to Report Crimes in San Jose

View a video featuring one of our Officers from the Information Center: "My Team" A journey from Mali, Africa to SJPD.

The School Safety and Education Unit is responsible for contributing to the safety of school age children as they travel to and from school. This is accomplished by providing Adult Crossing Guards at designated intersections throughout the City, and providing training, guidance and supervision to the student safety patrols and their adult advisors. 

Visit the School Safety & Education page

The San Jose Police Reserve is a volunteer organization that provides assistance for numerous Department relief, special functions and community events. It assists the Secondary Employment Unit by coordinating and assigning officers to work compensated assignments that assist with the orderly flow of traffic during street improvement and repair. The Police Reserve works closely with the Community Services Division and BFO to support the Police Department’s Community Policing goals. This is accomplished with the help of the Reserve Bicycle Unit, Ride-Along Program and school presentations.

More about the San Jose Police Reserve Unit

Every year, the City generates approximately 13,000 tows. The City tows for various reasons, including illegally parked or abandoned cars and vehicles involved in illegal activity. These efforts ensure the free flow of traffic and improve the quality of life by preventing abandoned vehicles from becoming eyesores.

Starting in February 2025, the San Jose Police Department began implementing a new Automated Towing System called Aries to streamline the dispatch and impounding process.

Vehicle owners must pay all applicable Public Safety Fees directly to the towing company, including a basic tow service fee, daily storage fees, and any after-hours gate fees.

Owners have the right to a post-tow hearing to contest a tow's validity. If the San Jose Police Department authorized the tow, requests for a hearing are handled by the San Jose Police Department; if authorized by the Department of Transportation, the request goes to the City of San Jose DOT.

Visit this link for more information:
Towed Vehicle Information, including how to recover a towed vehicle.

Effective July 1, 2026, the City's contract for police services at the Berryessa BART Station has concluded. As a result, SJPD has relinquished jurisdiction over the Berryessa BART Station and its associated parking lot, and responsibility for law enforcement services at that location has been turned over to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

The Wellness and Employee Support Team (WEST) supports the well-being and health of all Department Members by providing education, support, awareness, and training to Sworn and Professional Staff. The WEST team conducts preventative support and intervention to address mental and emotional concerns. The team liaisons with other department units and resources to connect with members, build trusting relationships and foster a safe environment for those needing support or experiencing crisis.

The WEST team also staffs the Wellness Center, a dedicated space for all Department Members to relax, recover, and rest from recurring exposure to stressful and traumatic events.

WEST Services include:

• Counseling referral
• Retreats for substance abuse
• Peer Support
• Education and Training
• Mediation
• Crisis support 24/7 on-call
• Therapy dog
• Wellness Center