The Sierra Madre Police affords many community services, from
fingerprinting to neighborhood and business watch programs. To better
provide services, personnel utilize modern equipment, from digital
cameras to an MDT (Mobile Display Terminal) system. The communications
center has a CAD-RMS (Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management
System). Patrol personnel use different types of transportation,
including police cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Many of these pieces
of equipment were purchased through grant programs or by community
support, such as the annual Corp Memorial Tennis Tournament.
Patrol Division
Patrol shifts generally have two officers
assigned, including a watch commander or officer in charge. In addition
to these personnel, there are often one or more motorcycle officers
attending to motorist safety and completing traffic enforcement.
Patrol
officers work 12.5 hour shifts, working three or four shifts during
alternating weeks. The shifts involve an AM, or day shift and a PM, or
night shift. The officers are responsible for crime reports and calls
for service, as well as patrolling to prevent crime.
Many of the calls for service that personnel respond to do not involve
criminal conduct or violations. Often, the officers are problem-solvers
who actively mediate to find solutions to civil matters. Officers are
encouraged to identify significant problems and help facilitate
solutions. Remember, if officers are handling an emergency, then
response may be delayed.
We are here to serve those we protect and make a positive difference in the community.
Communications & Records Bureau
Members
of the communications and records bureau are ready 24 hours a day to
answer your calls for service or visits to the police building
facility. These are the people you talk to when you first walk in to
the police department lobby. Sierra Madre is a small police department,
so there is often only one dispatcher per shift for communications and
records matters.
In our communications center, we answer all 911
emergency calls and non-emergency business line calls. Often, we can
assist you regarding a matter, from providing a copy of a police report
to answering general questions, but sometimes an officer is required.
We
communicate with the officers via radio and MDT (Mobile Display
Terminal) to dispatch them to service calls or to be informed of their
activities, such as initiating a vehicle stop, patrolling a park by
foot or stopping to attend civic gatherings. A CAD-RMS (Computer-Aided
Dispatch and Records Management System) is used to store information,
including shift activity logs and previous event activity.
The
communications center is also responsible for the storage, retrieval
and management of all records within the department. We process
thousands of citations and complete data entry for forms, from parking
permit requests to crime report information.
911 emergency is a
telephone number that will link callers to the appropriate emergency
service, such as police, medical or fire. Remember, 911 cellular phones
are connected to the CHP, California Highway Patrol. If you call 911
accidentally, please stay on the line and inform the operator of your
mistake. An emergency is any situation that places the safety of life
or property at risk, such as a traffic collision, medical emergency or
crime in progress. It is not an emergency when the situation is not
dangerous and immediate action is not necessary, such as asking
directions or making an animal complaint.
Reserve Police Officer Unit
Reserve
police officers volunteer their time by assisting with a variety of law
enforcement duties, from providing additional staffing at special city
functions to assisting after natural disasters. Men and women choose to
be reserve officers for several reasons. Some reserve officers are
considering a career in law enforcement and are gaining valuable
experience. Other reserve officers are employed in other fields, but
are interested in law enforcement and making Sierra Madre a safer place.
Reserve
officers must pass the same selection standards as full-time officers
and have the same academy and field training requirements. Most
reserves work patrol duties as a partner with a full-time officer, but
some have enough experience to function in a single-person capacity
during their on-duty shift. Reserve officers wear the same uniform and
cannot be distinguished by appearance from a full-time officer, and
while working carry the same duties and responsibilities as full-time,
compensated police officer.
Reserve officers are vital in
filling gaps in personnel needs and save the community overtime with
many of the tasks performed. Several current, full-time police officers
began with Sierra Madre as reserve officers. If youíre interested in
looking into a reserve officer position, you can contact Reserve Police
Officer Thomas, himself a businessman in civilian life and Commander of
the Reserve Unit.
Animal Services
The Pasadena Humane
Society handles animal control in Sierra Madre. Injured, stray or lost
animals, including canines, felines and wildlife, as well as animal
attacks, can be reported directly to the PHS during business hours or
through the Sierra Madre Police Department after hours. Both the Sierra
Madre Police and PHS investigate incidents of animal cruelty or
neglect. Loud animals, including barking dogs, are normally reported to
the Sierra Madre Police. PHS has a state of the art shelter, located in
Pasadena, with a large selection of pets for adoption. PHS also offers
training classes to assist with pet behavior.
Dog Licenses: Remember, in Sierra Madre, all dogs must be
licensed through City Hall, located at 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Control and Leashing of Dogs:
Persons owning or having control of a dog shall not cause, permit or
allow the animal to run at large on any highway, property or premises,
other than those enclosed by fencing or structures capable of confining
the dog, unless the animal is restrained by a substantial chain or
leash. This chain or leash shall not exceed 6 feet in length, and the
dog must be under the control of a competent person.
City Dog Facility:
Sierra Madre offers a dog park facility, located at the Sierra Vista
Park, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. The dog park is available for a nominal
fee. For information about fees click here to download the Dog Park Application. Fee information is also available through city hall, and is posted at the dog park facility.
Noisy Animals:
Sierra Madre also has ordinances regarding noisy animals, including
dogs. It is unlawful for any person or firm to keep, maintain or permit
on any parcel of land in the city under their control any animal or
animals which by any sound shall disturb the peace and comfort of any
neighborhood. Noisy animals can be reported to the police department.
We attempt to assist with cooperation between the animal owner and any
neighbor concerned about unreasonable noise to avoid further action
with the court system.
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