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Special Police Programs

Police K9

The Department has two full-time K-9 teams. The teams help find and apprehend suspects and find missing persons. They can also detect narcotics and help find lost property. We have two teams - Officer Corie Joerger and her dog Basko; and Officer Art Farinha and his dog Jimmy.

SWAT

The Petaluma SWAT team a police unit trained to respond to high-risk situations. The team can use special weapons to diffuse dangerous situations with peaceful outcomes. Monthly practices assure that the team prepares for any situation.

Investigations

The Investigations Team helps solve the most serious crimes committed in Petaluma. These investigations are often lengthy, demanding, and need experience and significant specialized training. Some such situations include homicides, sexual assault, and child abuse, among others. Our detectives also track sex, arson and drug offenders living in Petaluma. Our Investigations Team is busy, often handling over 250 cases a year.

Traffic

The Traffic Team reduces property damage, injuries and deaths caused by traffic collisions. They do this by enforcing safety laws, educating the community, and working with City engineers to make streets safer.  They also oversee checkpoints that reduce accidents caused by impaired driving.

Hostage Negotiations

This voluntary unit responds to situations where special communications or negotiations are necessary. Some of these situations involve domestic violence or mental illness. The team learns to negotiate and communicate with people in crisis.

Gang Intervention

The Gang Enforcement Team addresses gang activity in the Petaluma area. Petaluma police combat local gang activity by partnering with outside agencies. Staff assigned to the team attend monthly meetings and coordinate with other agencies. We conduct regular gang sweeps to limit community impacts from gang activity.

Code Enforcement

Code enforcement intervenes when someone avoids important safety and building codes. They also enforce the City's noise and nuisance rules. One full-time Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator (NPC) responds to most complaints. That person also collaborates with Planning, Building and Fire staff when needed. The NPC tries to resolve issues when possible. When that isn’t possible, the NPC issues official notices and fines. Concerns about noise or unsafe building are common reasons to call the NPC.
photo of officer and police dog

There are many skills and specialties needed to keep Petaluma safe

Chief Savano

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