Bureau of Field Services

The Alameda Police Communications Section, better known as Dispatch, is staffed 24-hours a day and is often the first point of contact for a community member in need of emergency assistance. 

Dispatch handles all police-related calls and our computerized telephone system enables us to communicate directly with the hearing or speech impaired. The Communications Section receives approximately 185 calls for police services per day.  We also route approximately 400 calls for Fire services each month to the Alameda County Emergency Communications Center. These include calls requiring fire engines or trucks, as well as ambulance responses.

In addition to dispatching, the Communications Center make entries into state and nationwide computer systems for stolen property, missing persons, runaway juveniles, stolen cars, etc. We also maintain permanent and temporary restraining order files for people who live or work in Alameda.

If you are interested in a career as a dispatcher and would like to be notified when these positions become available, subscribe for future dispatcher opportunities. 

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The Critical Incident Response Team (C.I.R.T.) is responsible for providing a rapid response of specialized personnel and equipment to incidents of a critical nature. The C.I.R.T. team is comprised of two separate elements, Negotiations and Tactical, and work in unison to respond to critical incidents while protecting the life and property of the citizens of Alameda.

Critical incidents include, but are not limited to:

• High-risk arrests
• Hostage incidents
• Barricaded subjects
• Rescue incidents in areas endangered by gunfire
• Assisting and protecting police and/or fire units engaged with mobs, looters, and arsonists 

The Alameda Police Department K9 Program was established in 1980 and due to its success it was permanently implemented into the Patrol Division. Currently, the Department has two K9 teams, Officer Brandon Hansen and his Police Service Dog (PSD) "Blu" and Officer Armando Zaragoza and his PSD "Dexter". The K9 Supervisor is Sgt. Darin Tsujimoto.

Canine Duties

K-9 teams are certified for dual purpose work, which includes patrol tactics and narcotic detection. Patrol tactics consist of area searches, building searches, tracking, article searches, handler protection, and physical apprehension. Narcotic detection includes searching for illegal drugs. Police K9's are not pets and should only be approached while the handler is present and supervising any interaction with the PSD.

Canine Training 

Before the PSD and officer can begin their patrol assignments, they must go through a rigorous canine handler course and pass a certification process. This ensures they meet the requirements set forth by the California P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training). After the team is certified, they will then complete weekly training sessions and annual certifications to ensure the team maintains their skills. 

Canine Teams

Officer Hansen and PSD Blu, a German Shepherd from Bavaria in Germany, were partnered in Spring of 2019.   After a bonding and orientation period, the two entered their canine handler course.  They completed the course in June of 2019 and were assigned to swing shift patrol.  Both are dedicated to service and they are looking forward to many years of working together.     

Officer Zaragoza and PSD Dexter, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois from Hungary, are the newest members of the Alameda Police K9 Unit and hit the streets together on October 2nd, 2016. They have established a tight bond and have been a great asset to the community.

The Marine Patrol Unit is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws pertaining to boating, search and rescue operations, vessel inspections as well as the supervision of various water events that take place in and around the city.

In addition to their normal patrol duties, nine officers and one sergeant have undergone extensive state-mandated training and also enjoy a close working relationship with the Coast Guard. As a result of their training, the officers are capable of providing the best service possible when it comes to law enforcement. The police boat patrols the surrounding Alameda waterways during special events, holidays, and when staffing permits. The unit is overseen by Sgt. Josh Crossley.

Boating Laws

Section 655.2(a)(2) of the Harbor and Navigations Code states NO vessel shall travel more than 5 mph when within 200 feet of any floating dock or marina. Additionally, within NO WAKE zones, your boat must operate off plane and completely settled in the water, operating at the minimum speed necessary to maintain steering and headway.

Skippers who operate their vessels negligently are financially and legally liable for any damage or injury caused by their vessel's wake. All Harbor and Navigation Code violations related to reckless or negligent vessel operation are strictly enforced.  

Marine Safety TIps

• File a float plan with a friend or relative
• Make sure your vessel is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards. The boat should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges.
• Safety equipment is required by law on board and must be maintained in good condition. Know how to use these devices.
• Know your position and where you are going.
• Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid a collision.
• Know and practice Navigational, Federal and State rules, especially waterway markers.
• Maintain a clear and unobstructed view forward at all times, scan the water back and forth to avoid tunnel vision.

An operator involved in an accident shall:

• Give assistance to the other person involved.
• Give their name, address and identification of their boat in writing to any person injured or to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.
• When a person dies or disappears from a vessel, the operator shall by the quickest means available notify the Department of Boating and waterways and the nearest enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the water body.

Important Links
United States Coast Guard
California Department of Boating and Waterways
Boating Safety