Operations Bureau

Patrol Team

The fundamental function of the patrol officer is to respond to calls for service, write police reports, suppress criminal activity, and find peaceful resolutions when there is a problem.  Patrol Teams consist of a Sergeant, a Corporal, and officers.  There are currently 4 patrol teams (Team 1, Team 2, Team 3 and Team 4).  Shift rotations are every 6 months.  There are additional opportunities for patrol officers, and they are encouraged to join specialty teams or positions, such as:

  • SWAT/Hostage Negotiations
  • Bike Team
  • Canine Unit
  • Crisis Intervention Team
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Crime Scene Investigation Technician
  • Homeless Liaison   
  • Field Training Officer (FTO)
  • School Resource Officer (SRO)
  • Peer Support Team
  • Range Master
  • Explorer Post Adviser

SWAT/Hostage Negotiations

Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department and Campbell Police Department have a combined SWAT Team. The mission is the safe resolution of any critical incident. The primary role of this team is to provide specialized and highly skilled support in any situation where the capabilities of the team are necessary to conduct tactical operations in a high-risk environment. SWAT missions may include barricaded suspect searches, high-risk search and arrest warrant service, hostage rescue, and protective details. 

Bike Team

The bike team allows for increased mobility along the many trails and paths we enjoy in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno.  The bike team is also able to respond to situations quickly during a special event, or when downtown traffic is heavy.  Officers on the bike team qualify by passing an intense, 40-hour training course. 

Canine Unit
The department currently has one K9, who is handled by Officer Freeman. Officer Freeman is available for public speaking and demonstrations to service clubs, schools and other organizations. Please contact police@losgatosca.gov to submit a request.  

Crisis Intervention Team
The police department currently has policy that states that at least one CIT trained officer must be send to calls involving individuals who are displaying emotional problems brought on by traumatic issues in their lives or induced by various states of alcohol and/or drug use.  Over 80% of our sworn officers and dispatchers have received specialized training in this subject. 

Defensive Tactics Instructor
These officers are responsible for the training of arrest and control techniques to our sworn personnel. They are experts in the field of pain compliance and handcuffing techniques, baton strikes, and the legal ramifications of using non-lethal force.

Crime Scene Investigation Team
The CSI Team is trained extensively for deployment at crime scenes, major injury, and fatal traffic collisions. They all attend an initial two week training session to learn how to identify, preserve, collect and maintain critical pieces of evidence at a crime scene.  Additional training expertise can be in blood spatter analysis, fingerprint identification, various light source techniques and casting for shoe prints and tire tracks.

Homeless Liaison Officer
This officer works with various local organizations and community groups to ensure that the transient population is educated about resources available to them and that they are being treated with compassion. 

Field Training Officer (FTO)
FTO’s are those officers who train incoming recruits that have either just graduated from the police academy or have come to the police department from another agency.   Our FTO program takes a lot of pride in training our recruits to be not just an exceptional police officer, but to be an exceptional police officer at the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department.  This means fulfilling our mission statement of getting to know everyone in the community, providing traditional law enforcement services, and building a highly competent department.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

The School Resource Officer makes presentations to groups of students in a classroom setting and in general assemblies. The officer addresses community organizations, home and school clubs, and parent forums. This position with the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department is a uniquely sensitive assignment requiring patience in working with children, young adults, parents and school administrators. The officer will generally work in uniform and will be expected to interact with school staff and students in a wide range of situations. The officer will be accessible with students at lunch, play games during recess, providing instruction in all grade levels in the classroom, and serve as a positive role model. The SRO position is funded by the police department and both school districts. 

Peer Support Team
This group of individuals consist of sworn and civilian staff, and our police chaplain. They assist police department employees when they face challenges or traumatic experiences in their professional or personal lives. These members are valuable to the organization as they are exceptional listeners and can provide additional resources as needed. Our members have also spent numerous hours with residents who have lost a family member or child or have been involved in a traumatic incident.

Range Masters
This group is responsible for the training of all sworn personal and retired officers in all aspects of deadly force and firearms training. The department qualifies two times a year at the range, and courses include qualifications with handguns, shotguns, Colt AR-15 rifles, and less lethal systems.

Explorer Post Advisor
Our Police Explorer Post is a group of young individuals who show an interest in law enforcement careers. Explorers advisors provide mentoring and leadership to the Explorers, and facilitate their participation in special events.