Bureau of Support Services

The Alameda Police Communications Center, also known as Dispatch, operates 24 hours a day and is often the first point of contact for community members in need of emergency assistance. Dispatch manages not only all police-related calls but also inbound emergency text messages through the APD’s Text-to-911 capabilities, providing a crucial service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in situations where speaking is unsafe. On average, the Communications Section handles approximately 185 police service calls per day and routes about 400 fire service calls each month to the Alameda County Emergency Communications Center, including requests for fire engines, trucks, and ambulances.

In addition to dispatching, the Communications Center enters data into state and national computer systems for stolen property, missing persons, runaway juveniles, stolen vehicles, and more. The team also maintains both permanent and temporary restraining order files for individuals living or working in Alameda.

The Alameda Police Department's Investigations Unit is responsible for a wide range of criminal investigations, handling both property and violent crimes. The unit investigates offenses such as burglary, grand theft, arson, fraud, and high-tech computer crimes, as well as serious crimes like homicides, kidnappings, rapes, robberies, and felony assaults, including domestic violence. Investigators assess cases to determine if there is sufficient evidence for arrests, prosecution, and convictions, and conduct tactical analysis to identify crime patterns, which aids in apprehending suspects, preventing further crimes, and reducing criminal activity. The unit also investigates missing persons, hate crimes, felony weapons violations, extortion, and bribery.

Collaboration with the Community Resource Unit is key to the Investigations Unit’s success. Alameda residents often provide critical tips that help solve cases, as the Community Resource Unit monitors the activities of sex offenders, arson registrants, parolees, and probationers within the city. Additionally, the unit handles on-going issues impacting the community and oversees dance and massage permits.

The Alameda Police Department's Traffic Unit is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on our roadways. With a focus on daily traffic enforcement and the investigation of serious injury and fatal collisions, the Traffic Unit plays a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient streets throughout the City of Alameda.