In April of 2016 a Parks Police Officer position was created in response to the increasing number of homeless encampments within our desert preserves and the perception of overall safety in our park system.

Success, as a collaborative team approach, justified the funding and addition of 2 additional park police officers. Today the Parks Police Squad is responsible for handling most calls related to homelessness, particularly within our parks system, as well as educating the community about homelessness from a police perspective.

Park Officer Duties Infographic information begins. Park Officer Duties: 1. Establish relationships and know the population in the parks/preserves/area and their stories. 2. Provide quick reference for resources, advise on possible options, build rapport (being mindful that Police Officers are not social workers, we are peacekeepers and law enforcement). 3. Work in collaboration with the HOPE Team. 4. Liaison within the police department for homeless related matters/education of the national homeless epidemic to concerned citizens. Infographic information ends.