Animal Control Unit
Abandoned and Nuisance Vehicle Unit
Crime Analysis Unit
Crime Prevention Unit
Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Engineering Unit
Hazardous Materials Compliance Unit
Investigations Unit
Neighborhood Preservation
Office of Emergency Services
Parking Enforcement
School Crossing Guard Program
Welcome to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Special Operations Division. Special Operations encompasses our prevention and investigative services groups within the Department of Public Safety. Special Operations is overseen by one Deputy Chief, one Captain and a combination of 10 sworn and civilian supervisors managing 63 Officers and Professional Civilian Staff.
Units within Special Operations include our Crime Prevention Unit, who works diligently with our schools, neighborhood associations and business community, Investigations which incorporates property crimes, person’s crimes and our Community Crimes Unit. Special Operations also includes Traffic Enforcement, Animal Control, Parking Enforcement and Vehicle Abatement, and The Office of Emergency Services who manages a variety of community based emergency preparation programs including “SNAP’ Sunnyvale Neighborhoods Actively Prepared.
Because we are a true Public Safety Department Special Operations also includes our Fire Prevention and Arson Inspectors and our Fire Protection Engineers who work with the city building department to inspect fire safety systems in new and remodeled construction and our Hazardous Materials Inspectors. This group works closely with our Fire Services Division to ensure the safety of our officers on the line and the safety our community.
The Department of Public Safety is proud that the City of Sunnyvale is considered one of the safest cities in America for its size and population. The Special Operations Group and Patrol Division work closely together to achieve a low crime rate by utilizing up to date crime analysis, focused patrol, undercover operations and investigative follow-up and support.
The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is fortunate to serve a community that supports and partners with us to make Sunnyvale a safe community to live, work and play in.
Animal Control Unit
The Animal Control Unit is a specialized unit consisting of two Community Services Officers assigned to Animal Control and one part-time Staff Office Assistant. Animal Control Officers are not peace officers, but can exercise powers of arrest and to serve warrants during the course and within the scope of their employment. The Animal Control Unit is part of Special Operations and is managed by a Public Safety Captain and Deputy Chief.
The Animal Control Unit was created in 1994 in order to protect public safety, ensure animal welfare and promote responsible pet ownership. These objectives are met through education and professional enforcement of the animal statutes of the City of Sunnyvale and the State of California. The Animal Control Unit maintains a state mandated rabies control program which includes animal bite investigations and an animal licensing program.
Animal Control Officers respond to calls for service which may include: stray or nuisance animals, animal bites, aggressive or vicious animals, dead animals, sick or injured animals, and animal rescues. Additionally, Animal Control Officers investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect and conduct criminal investigations which are submitted for prosecution. For more information visit Animal Control
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Abandoned and Nuisance Vehicle Unit
Welcome to the City of Sunnyvale Abandoned and Nuisance Vehicle Unit. It is our mission to work in partnership with the residents of The City of Sunnyvale to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment. The City of Sunnyvale currently has Municipal Code provisions, which regulate the storage of vehicles, including those that are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or otherwise inoperable when the vehicles are stored on public and private property. These code provisions are intended to maintain a positive appearance of the City, reduce crime, and prevent hazardous conditions.
The City of Sunnyvale needs to have effective regulations in place because abandoned and nuisance vehicles, if not properly regulated, can have a serious negative effect on crime, public safety, and property valuation. Nuisance vehicles are one of the first and most obvious signs of a neglected neighborhood. Public Safety employs 2 part-time Nuisance Vehicle Inspectors (NVI) who are responsible for the regular follow up and removal of nuisance vehicles.
To report an abandoned, inoperable, or nuisance vehicle contact the Department of Public Safety, Abandoned/Nuisance Vehicle Hot line (anonymous line) at 408/730-7706. To speak with a Supervisor, contact the Department of Public Safety, Abandoned//Nuisance Vehicle Administration line at 408/730-7150.
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Crime Analysis Unit
The Crime Analysis Unit is part of the Investigations Division. The Crime Analyst studies crime data to identify patterns in days and times of occurrence of crimes, geographic patterns, and suspect modus operandi (M.O.). The Crime Analysis Unit produces bulletins, graphs and maps which visually illustrate where and when the highest concentration of crimes (hot spots) are occurring. These reports allow Sunnyvale DPS to most effectively deploy Patrol and Investigative resources.
The Crime Analysis Unit can provide Detectives with investigative leads in crime series and major crimes by providing information on known offenders, and suspects or vehicles which may match a partial description provided by a witness.
The Crime Analyst also utilizes geographic software to search for possible suspects based on spatial patterns, prior criminal activity, and a suspect’s proximity to a crime.
The Crime Analyst also creates research and reports which interpret any increases or decreases in crime statistics, calls for service, and arrests. The analysis of these statistics assists the Department in the development of crime prevention and suppression strategies.
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Crime Prevention Unit
Within the Bureau of Special Operations, the Crime Prevention Unit is the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety's primary pro-active resource for community education and problem solving. Staffing currently consists of one (1) Lieutenant, four (5) Neighborhood Resource Officers, two (2) Community Service Officers, two (2) Crime Prevention Assistants and one (1) Senior Office Assistant. In addition, and in collaboration with the Juvenile Probation Department, there is a Juvenile Probation Officer assigned to the City and working with the Crime Prevention team.
Using the principles of Problem Oriented Policing, the Crime Prevention Unit combines the tools of education, investigation and enforcement to meet the many diverse needs of the community. Understanding the vital role youth education plays in crime prevention, an emphasis in youth contact is maintained. The City of Sunnyvale has twenty-nine (29) schools, including primary grade, middle schools and high schools. Every school has an NRO designated as a liaison, providing educational talks and student consultations throughout the school year. Talks include; Conflict Resolution, Safe Ways to School, Drug Awareness, Stranger Danger, Fire Safety and Domestic Violence. The talks are targeted to an age appropriate audience. Other school involvement includes; Administration/ Faculty Meetings, Student Attendance Review Board (SARB), and student/ law enforcement events such as the Bicycle Rodeo, the Basketball Shootout and the Fire Safety Poster Contest. In coordination with the Juvenile Probation Department, the Crime Prevention Unit provides Diversion classes for first-time criminal offenders, Diversion classes for juvenile bike and pedestrian violations and probation searches/violations to ensure probation compliance.
For the Sunnyvale business community, the Crime Prevention Unit provides talks and consultations on a variety of business related topics, including; Personal Safety, Office Security, Robbery/Theft Prevention, Loss Prevention (employee theft) and Workplace Violence. If specific and/or unusual requests are made, the Crime Prevention Unit will research available resources and provide information accordingly.
For the Sunnyvale neighborhoods and community at large, the Crime Prevention Unit remains available to provide talks and address conflicts or issues as they arise. The Unit supports Neighborhood Associations, Neighborhood Watches and conflict resolutions between neighbors. In addition, the Unit coordinates activities that support worthwhile causes including; National Night Out, the Pancake Breakfast (Burn Foundation) and the Special Olympics Torch Run.
In closing, the Crime Prevention Unit remains the "go to" unit for any of the community concerns that fall outside the scope or capabilities of the average police or fire response. We provide the skills (communication, problem solving and teamwork) and time necessary to address most community needs brought forth.
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Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Engineering Unit
The Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Engineering Unit is staffed with two full-time Fire Inspector / Fire Cause Investigators, three full-time Fire Protection Engineers, one Senior Office Assistant and one Cadet, all under the supervision of the Fire Marshal.
Fire Prevention is tasked with fire and life-safety inspections of a variety of occupancies within Sunnyvale. These occupancies include facilities that possess fire operations permits such as public assemblies, high piled storage, repair garages, and many more. Fire Prevention staff also inspect all high rise buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, hazardous materials occupancies, and complex buildings. Smaller businesses and most apartment buildings receive annual inspections by fire operations personnel (engine and truck companies).
In addition, Fire Prevention personnel are cross-trained as arson, and fire cause and origin investigators.
Fire Protection Engineering staff review building and fire plans for new construction and tenant improvements, and also conduct the field inspections for projects of this type. Engineering staff are available at the One-stop Permit Center at City Hall, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 noon. No appointments are accepted and meetings are on a first‑come, first-served basis.
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Hazardous Materials Compliance Unit
The Sunnyvale DPS, Hazardous Materials Compliance Unit (HMCU) is the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for the City of Sunnyvale. The focus of our program is the prevention of hazardous materials discharges that may adversely affect community safety or the environment. Local ordinances, state codes, and regulations provide the authority and direction for this permitting and inspection program.
As a CUPA, the Hazardous Materials Compliance Unit is responsible for the implementation of the following environmental program elements:
Hazardous Materials Business Plan Program
Hazardous Waste Generator Progam
Hazardous WasteTiered Permitting Program
Aboveground StorageTank Program
Underground Storage TankProgram
California Accidental Release Prevention Program
In addition, the HMCU enforces the California Integrated Waste Management Board requirements such as the Waste Tire Management Program. The HMCU also enforces local ordinances regulating hazardous materials storage (SMC Title 20, Chapter 20) and the safe use and storage of toxic gases (SMC Title 16, Chapter 16.53).
A consolidated Fire and Environmental Services Permit is issued to a Sunnyvale business after submittal of an approved application (HMBP or Registration Form), a field inspection to confirm compliance, and payment of applicable fees.
Submit Documents to:
Sunnyvale Public Safety Department
Fire and Environmental Services
P.O. Box 3707
700 All America Way
Sunnyvale, California 94088-3707
Phone: (408) 730-7212
Fax: (408) 730-7214
For more information, please click here.
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Investigations Unit
The goal of the City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Investigations Bureau is to provide a safe community and a feeling of security among our citizens. This is accomplished by conducting thorough preliminary and follow up investigations, identifying and arresting violators, preparing cases for successful prosecution, maintaining high investigation clearance rates, and responding to special enforcement demands such as gang activity, narcotics and vice crimes.
The Investigations Bureau consists of three Lieutenants (Supervisors), eleven Detectives, two Senior Office Assistants and one Crime Analyst. Detectives assigned to the Investigations Bureau receive specialized training in their assigned area of emphasis as well as topics such as interview and interrogation and crime scene investigation. Five Detectives and one Lieutenant are assigned to investigate crimes involving homicide, robbery, felony assault, rape, and child abuse. Three Detectives and one Lieutenant are assigned to investigate crimes involving burglary and felony thefts. Three Detectives and one Lieutenant are assigned to respond to and investigate crimes involving gang activity, narcotics and vice.
The two Senior Office Assistants provide administrative support the Detectives and Lieutenants assigned to the Investigations Bureau. Additionally, the Senior Office Assistants conduct some financial fraud investigations.
The Crime Analyst evaluates, interprets, and disseminates statistical crime data to the Patrol, Administrative and Investigations Bureaus. This information assists in identifying crime trends and areas where targeted enforcement may be necessary.
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Neighborhood Preservation
Neighborhood Preservation is a division within the Department of Public Safety. Neighborhood Preservation's commitment is to maintain and improve the quality of life in residential and commercial neighborhoods through providing education, outreach and resources to foster attractive neighborhoods and promote safe and desirable communities. For more information, please click Neighborhood Preservationhere.
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Office of Emergency Services
The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is staffed by a Coordinator (Public Safety Lieutenant) an Emergency Planner (Community Services Officer) and ½ time Secretary (Staff Office Assistant). The unit coordinates the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This EOC is staffed according to the Incident Command System (ICS) by managers and key staff selected for their unique skills and abilities to manage a disaster or major emergency.
This EOC system utilizes not only the ICS system, but other aspect of emergency management as mandated by the State of California through the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and by the Federal Government through the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
All City Employees are also trained by OES in aspects of SEMS and NIMS systems. This training is provided during their introduction to the Disaster Service Worker (DSW) program. During this training all employees are informed of their requirement to report back to work in the event of an emergency and the types of tasks they may be required to perform. They are also trained in not only personal but family emergency preparedness.
OES is responsible for training and recruiting for the Sunnyvale Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP), our predecessor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. We also coordinate the activities of the Sunnyvale Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SARES). Both of these programs provide volunteer services to assist Public Safety in the event of an emergency.
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Parking Enforcement
Welcome to the City of Sunnyvale Parking Compliance and Enforcement Unit- where our goal is to make public parking safe, friendly, and convenient throughout the City. The City is committed to meeting the diverse parking needs of the public while promoting compliance with all City ordinances.
Parking restrictions are enforced on a citywide basis. When vehicles are parked in violation of a posted regulation, a parking citation may be issued. The Parking Compliance and Enforcement Unit provides enforcement coverage for timed zones, freight and passenger loading zones, no parking/stopping zones, disabled parking spaces, and fire hydrants. In addition, support services are also provided to enforce parking restrictions during special events, or scheduled street maintenance or cleaning.
If you have any questions regarding The City of Sunnyvale’s parking regulations contact the Parking Compliance and Enforcement Unit at 408/730-7104.
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School Crossing Guard Program
Welcome to the City of Sunnyvale Adult School Crossing Guard Program. The Crossing Guard Program has become an important part of school crossing protection programs throughout the country. The adult school crossing guard program was organized more than fifty years ago to help protect children on their way to and from school.
The City of Sunnyvale adult school crossing guard program is administered by the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety. The Department currently employs 40-45 part time crossing guards throughout the city. We also like to keep on staff alternate crossing guards who substitute when one of our regular guards is away or ill.
As is true for all school crossing protection measures, certain warrants and/or criteria are used to determine the locations adult school crossing guards are to be staffed. The City’s Traffic Engineering Department conducts such warrant studies.
Adult crossing guards should not direct traffic, except that they may create gaps in the traffic stream at opportune times. The presence of a crossing guard in the roadway serves as an easily recognized indication to drivers that pedestrians are about to use the crosswalk, and that all traffic must stop. Their role is to safely expedite the movement of elementary and middle school children to and from school by creating gaps in traffic. California law indicates that any person who disregards any traffic signal or direction given by a non-student school crossing guard authorized by a law enforcement agency shall be guilty of an infraction and subject to the penalties of Section 42001 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC Section 2815).
The very presence of school crossing guards tends to prevent unlawful and unsafe acts by pedestrians and/or motorist. By employing proper safety procedures and by exercising due caution, crossing guards can help to instill in roadway users desirable practices which can, in time, become habits.
If you would like information on becoming a school crossing guard or general information please contact the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at (408) 730-7104.
School Walking and Bicycling Maps
Safe ways to school maps have been developed in an effort to indicate walking and bicycling routes for children. The maps of 15 Sunnyvale elementary schools and 2 Sunnyvale middle schools are available to download. The maps include the location of the adult school crossing guard and will help provide guidance on the safest routes to walk and bicycle to and from school. Whether walking or bicycling to school always put safety first and refer to the pedestrian and bicycle safety tips which are also available to download. When marking your route to school be sure and use the assistance of the adult school crossing guard.
Crossing Guard Locations by school:
Cupertino School District:
Santa Clara School District:
Sunnyvale School District:
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