Services
West Covina Police Department
Patrol
About two-thirds of all sworn officers work in this division, which focuses on patrolling city streets, responding to calls for service, and identifying potential crime issues. Under the Community Service Area Policing program, four dedicated lieutenants and their crews are assigned a specific quadrant of the City and tasked with resolving public safety concerns for residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. This division includes the Traffic Unit, the K-9 Unit, Jail Operations, Reserve Officers, Police Cadets, and award-winning volunteers who perform non-hazardous duties to free up sworn officers.
The Patrol Division also includes the Special Problems Detail (SPD), which encompasses the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and the Robotics Team.
Service Area
The West Covina Police Department has organized the City into four service areas, with one lieutenant assigned to each area.
This allows residents to call or email their lieutenant directly, ensuring non-emergency public safety issues and neighborhood concerns are addressed promptly. Continue to use 911 for emergency calls.
Service Area Policing is a more citizen-friendly style of policing that provides for the following:
- Increased police accountability to citizens
- Reduced crime
- Improved service to residents and business owners
- Increased citizen satisfaction and communication with the Police Department
- Increased access to the city government
- Improved neighborhood quality of life
- We are always willing to meet with residents and business owners. You are encouraged to communicate with the Lieutenant responsible for your service area via telephone or email.
The West Covina Police Department is committed to working with you to improve the community.
Contact your service area lieutenant
Traffic Unit
The West Covina Police Department investigates all reported traffic collisions that occur in the City of West Covina. When patrol officers take an initial report at the scene, it is forwarded to the Traffic Unit for further investigation if it involves a hit-and-run. The Traffic Unit finalizes the determination of fault and, if necessary, issues a citation for the traffic violation.
The Traffic Unit responds to and investigates all fatal traffic collisions that occur within the City of West Covina. In the unfortunate event of a fatal traffic collision, the area of the collision must be preserved until the field investigation is complete. This may result in street closures for several hours.
Jail
The West Covina Police Department maintains a Type I jail facility operated by jailers. An assigned lieutenant oversees the entire jail operation. The jail facility provides 4 beds for females and 12 for males, with 6 additional beds that can be used for either sex as needed. Most individuals in custody are pre-trial arrestees who have been arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. As a Type I jail facility, we are authorized to hold individuals for up to 96 hours, excluding emergencies.
The West Covina Police Department Jail maintains a complement of 7 jailers, with assistance from police cadets. Jailers must complete a California Standard and Corrections (STC) Certified Corrections Officer Academy. Additionally, they receive at least 24 hours of continuing training every two years. The jail supervisor has also completed the California Board of Corrections STC-certified supervisory training.
The mission of the West Covina Police Department Jail is to maintain the safety, security, and well-being of the inmates in our custody.
Individuals in custody are informed of their right to contact family, employers, and legal counsel, and we assist families with information about those in our custody and with visitation. Additionally, they serve three meals daily, with strict state and county regulations governing their caloric and nutritional content. Each individual has access to showers, basic hygiene supplies, and reading materials
Canine Unit
Certain police officers team with their specially trained canines, who aid in detection, enforcement, controlling subjects, and officer safety.
Special Problems Detail
The Special Problems Detail (SPD) of the West Covina Police Department comprises several specialized units that coordinate their tactics, skills, and efforts to address major incidents within the City of West Covina and, when called upon, in surrounding communities. SPD consists of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and Robotics Unit.
Property & Evidence
The Property & Evidence Unit is responsible for the storage and disposition of all property or evidence collected by members of the police department during the course of their duties.
Retrieving Property
If you are an owner seeking to retrieve property held by the Property & Evidence Unit, please call (626) 939-8573 to schedule an appointment. Property is usually available for release Monday through Friday by appointment only.
To request the release of property for someone who is in custody, complete the Property Release Form and call (626) 939-8573 to schedule an appointment for release. This form must be notarized.
Investigative & Administrative
The Investigations & Support Services Division (ISSD) is responsible for employees assigned to investigations, administrative, or support services. This division is responsible for conducting investigations and follow-ups for all major crimes, and for overseeing the police department’s centralized administrative functions
The police personnel assigned to ISSD handle specialized assignments, including automotive theft, financial crimes, burglaries, court coordination, homicide, domestic violence, victim advocacy, robbery, sex crimes, property & evidence, and forensics. The detectives conduct thorough follow-up investigations and prepare cases for prosecutors to ensure justice for crime victims.
The police personnel assigned to Administration include Communications, the Records Bureau, Professional Standards and Training, and the support staff for the Chief of Police.
Records
The Records Bureau personnel are responsible for entering all police reports into law enforcement databases, maintaining police files, and assisting the public.
The Records Bureau is a vital function of the West Covina Police Department, providing service to the community through the public lobby counter and by telephone. In addition to assisting the general public, Records Bureau personnel assist sworn personnel with report management and subpoena oversight.
Neighborhood Watch
National Neighborhood Watch was instituted nationally in 1972. Since 1972, the National Neighborhood Watch Program (within the National Sheriffs’ Association) has united law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a nationwide effort to reduce crime and improve local communities. The program’s success has established Neighborhood Watch as the nation’s premier crime prevention and community mobilization program. Visible signs of the program appear across America on street signs, window decals, community block parties, and service projects.
HOPE
Homeless Outreach & Park Enforcement
The mission of the HOPE Team is to enhance safety for our community and businesses by addressing criminal activity in our city parks and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as homelessness issues citywide. Working in conjunction with our City’s Mental Evaluation Team (MET), Code Enforcement, Community Services, Public Works, and our patrol resources, the HOPE Team will be able to provide a more consistent response effort to assist the homeless population with available resources and enforce laws in our City parks and surrounding areas. The HOPE Team will also assist patrol in handling transient-related calls for service citywide and in monitoring locations throughout the City where homelessness is prevalent.
We are extremely happy to have them as part of our team and to help us continue serving our community.
For assistance from our HOPE Team or LACADA, please email them at the links below. For an immediate response regarding suspicious activity or a crime in progress, please contact the West Covina Police Department Dispatch Center at (626) 939-8500.
SRO
School Resource Officer
School resource officers (SROs) play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and security of educational institutions within our cities. These sworn personnel are law enforcement officers specifically assigned to schools, working closely with students, staff, and administrators to create a safe and positive learning environment. Beyond their traditional law enforcement duties, SROs often take proactive measures, including preventive education programs, building relationships with students, and addressing potential issues before they escalate. By actively participating in the school community, SROs aim to bridge the gap between law enforcement and education, fostering trust and cooperation that contribute to the overall well-being of students and the school community.
SROs are NOT school disciplinarians. Violations of school rules are the responsibility of the faculty. SROs are on campus to educate students and support diversion and mediation programs to help them stay on track and complete their education. These officers often serve as mentors, providing guidance and support to students facing challenges both inside and outside the school by participating in school events, engaging in classroom discussions, and being a visible presence on campus.