Valley Transport Agency (VTA) has contracted the San Jose Police Department to be responsible for all law enforcement services at the Berryessa Transit Center apart from the actual BART Station interior, including all events which occur on the buses as the enter and leave Berryessa Way. BART Police will provide law enforcement services within the BART station building and the BART operating corridor.

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

In the late 1960s, policy was established which required all officers to attend a California’s P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standardized Training) certified academy prior to street duty. Unfortunately, no program existed to assist the recruit officer in bridging the gap between classroom theory and street application.

In the summer of 1971, after a year of review and planning, a Recruit Training Management Program was adopted. The program was loosely based on a military training model. Lt Allen, who was then promoted to Captain, coordinated the formation of the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTO).

The Program required that a new officer be paired with a veteran officer who would provide training and mentorship in a structured fourteen-week program. The FTO Program was innovative and it has provided the framework for a new officer to build and develop their skills in a structured environment under the watch of an FTO.

Visit the Field Training Officer Program 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 - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Effective July 1, 2025)

• 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 Liaison Unit is responsible for developing and maintaining positive communications/relationships between the police department and the nineteen school districts in the City of San Jose. Unit members participate on school safety committees, and truancy committees.

Visit the School Liaison page.

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