Briefing Room: Organization of the Seal Beach Police Department

Hi Seal Beach,

Have you ever wondered how the Seal Beach Police Department is organized?

At the Seal Beach Police Department, our team is structured to ensure effective operations and provide the highest level of service to our community. Here’s a breakdown of our organization and the roles each division plays in keeping Seal Beach safe and running smoothly.

Chief of Police-The Chief of Police is at the helm of the department, overseeing all divisions and setting the strategic vision for public safety in Seal Beach. Supporting the Chief is the Executive Assistant to the Chief, who handles administrative duties and ensures the department runs efficiently.

Operations Bureau-The Operations Bureau is headed by the Operations Bureau Captain, supported by an Operations Bureau Lieutenant. This bureau is the backbone of our police services, responsible for patrol and investigations.

• Patrol Officers: Patrol officers are responsible for responding to calls for service, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and maintaining a visible presence in the community to ensure public safety.

• Patrol Sergeants and Corporals: They lead and supervise our Police Officers and Motor Officers who are on the frontlines, responding to calls for service, conducting traffic enforcement, and patrolling neighborhoods.

• Canine Officer: Plays a vital role in detecting firearms, assisting in searches, and protecting our officers during critical incidents.

• Detective Sergeant and Detectives: These individuals investigate complex crimes, such as thefts, assaults, and other criminal activity.

• Task Force Officers: Officers assigned to specialized units or multi-agency task forces focus on specific crime trends affecting the region.

• Civilian Investigator: A professional staff member who assists in case management and investigative tasks.

Support Services Bureau-The Support Services Bureau is led by a Support Services Bureau Captain and supported by a Support Services Bureau Lieutenant. This division handles the administrative and operational support functions necessary to keep the department running efficiently.

• Emergency Services Sergeant: Manages emergency preparedness and response plans for Seal Beach, ensuring the city is ready for any disaster.

• Senior Community Services Officers (SCSOs): These personnel handle a variety of non-emergency duties, such as parking enforcement, minor traffic accidents, taking reports with no suspect information, animal control, records management, detention services, and other duties.  

• Police Aides (Part-Time): Police Aides handle the same functions as SCSOs, but work as part-time employees.  

• Records Supervisor: Oversees the department’s records management, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state regulations.

• Property & Evidence Custodian: Manages all evidence and property related to police investigations, maintaining the chain of custody.

• Crossing Guards (Part-Time): Help ensure the safety of schoolchildren and pedestrians near school zones and other high-traffic areas.

• Police Services Manager: Handles the day-to-day managerial duties related to SCSOs and PAs.

• Management (Crime) Analyst: Provides data and intelligence to help the department track crime trends and deploy resources effectively.

• Accounts Technician: Oversees the financial operations of the department, ensuring that budgets and expenses are managed properly.

• Facility Dog Yosa: The cutest member of the team.

The Seal Beach Police Department employees both sworn and professional staff.  The key difference between sworn and professional staff within a police department lies in their roles and responsibilities. Sworn staff, such as police officers, are authorized to carry weapons, make arrests, and enforce laws directly. They are trained to respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and engage in patrol duties. In contrast, professional staff are non-sworn members who perform essential support functions, such as administrative work, crime analysis, records management, and community services. While they don’t have law enforcement authority, their roles are crucial to the efficient operation of the department, allowing sworn officers to focus on frontline duties. Both groups work together to ensure the overall effectiveness of the police department in serving the community.  

Are you interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement or public safety? The Seal Beach Police Department is always looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a positive impact on their community. Whether you aspire to become a police officer or are interested in joining our professional staff, there are a variety of opportunities to explore. We offer roles for sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers who all contribute to keeping Seal Beach safe. To learn more about current openings, job requirements, and how to apply, visit our employment page at https://sealbeachpd.com/employment-opportunities/. Join our team and make a difference today!

Keep your questions coming, Seal Beach!  Email us at askacop@sealbeachca.gov today!