Sunnyvale, CA - Get Involved with Public Safety

There are many ways to get involved and better connected with the Department of Public Safety:

Look at our volunteer opportunities
Sign up for one of our emergency preparedness classes and help assist the community during a disaster
Learn about public safety recruitment and careers

Special Programs

The Explorer program provides youth the opportunity to gain hands-on police and fire response training. Participants attend police and fire training academies, learn to respond to emergency scenes, go on ride-a-longs as well as assist officers with a variety of events throughout the year, including DUI checkpoints and the Cops Care Cancer Foundation’s annual Fantasy Flight.

Who can participate?

The program is open to youth ages 14 (and in high school) through 20.

When does the group meet?

Explorers meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunnyvale Challenge Team

The Sunnyvale Challenge Team consists of leaders from more than 40 schools, nonprofits, faith communities and local government who meet monthly to find creative ways to steer youth and families away from the negative influences of gangs and drugs. Coordinated through the Department of Public Safety, the team works to connect youth and families to sports leagues, enrichment classes, mentors and other resources that can provide positive change in their lives and the community.

When does the group meet?

The last Thursday of each month, except June through August and December

To join, call 408-730-7140

Citizens Academy

Would you like to get an inside view of the life of a Public Safety Officer? Academy participants get hands-on training or observation of traffic stops, use of fire hoses and fire response, K9 handling, auto extrication and more. You’ll learn about the roles of first responders to police, fire and medical emergencies. This is an exciting, action-oriented course where you’ll interact directly with Public Safety Officers.

Who can participate?

The program is open to people who:

Are over 21
Live or work in Sunnyvale
Can lift 15 pounds
May handle a firearm safely
Have no felony convictions, are not on probation, parole, or are required to register for specified offenses

Fingerprinting is required and will be done by Public Safety.

When does the group meet?

The Academy will meet every Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m., starting Sept. 5 through Oct. 24, 2019.

How to apply

Fill out the Citizens Academy application

Send the completed application:

By email to Lt. Elizabeth DiGiovanna
In person or by mail to:
- City of Sunnyvale
  Department of Public Safety
  700 All America Way
  Sunnyvale, CA 94088

Application Deadline

Your application must be received by July 15

For more information, call 408-730-7100