Bureau Descriptions

The San Mateo Police Department is organized into four bureaus, which are overseen by captains.

Field Operations Services Bureau

The Field Operations Services Bureau (FOSB) is responsible for providing the majority of the department’s frontline services. FOSB provides around-the-clock uniformed police protection and responds to all requests for police assistance. Based on a geographic service delivery model, staff are assigned to their patrol beats on a long-term basis so that patrol officers and area lieutenants for partnerships with their assigned communities to resolve problems and proactively prevent crime, disorder, and delinquency. This Bureau also oversees the Traffic Unit, Crime Reduction Unit, Downtown Unit, SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, K-9, Field Training Program, Critical Incident Response Team, and the Peer Support Unit. 

Investigations Services Bureau

The Investigations Services Bureau (ISB) conducts major investigations into crimes against persons, property, businesses, and institutions. Detectives track and monitor sexual registrants, drug registrants, and early release prisoners placed on Post Released Community Supervision (PRCS). Investigation Services is responsible for covert operations directed toward the apprehension of the most serious and career criminals. Detectives prepare cases for prosecution and develop expertise in specific specialty investigations, including crimes against the elderly, domestic violence, and high tech crimes. Our Investigations Services Bureau focuses on special and vulnerable victims of crime, working with service providers to reduce the harm to victims. This Bureau also oversees the Youth Services Unit and Police Activities League (PAL). 

Support Services Bureau

The Support Services Bureau (SSB)  encompasses two major areas: support and development along with neighborhood outreach. Bureau operations and personnel provide records services; property; the accounting office; personnel hiring and training; facility and equipment maintenance; research, development, and planning; business services; media services; and Internal Affairs and Professional Standards. Staff in the Support Services Bureau conduct recruitment to ensure that our highly qualified candidates reflect the diverse nature of the community we serve; maintain accurate records for crime analysis; provide record keeping and information retrieval; provide business and fiscal management for the department; and coordinate and facilitate all departmental training. Our Media Services Unit continues to find innovative ways to keep our community informed while engaging them in long-term problem solving strategies and information sharing in their neighborhoods. Our Neighborhood Watch Program administers over 250 Neighborhood Watch Blocks dedicated to partnering with their neighborhood police officers to advance safety, security, and community within our neighborhoods. Subscribers to our Community Alert System and social media outlets currently exceeds 100,000 and continues to increase as we further efforts to enhance community awareness.

Technical Services Bureau 

The Technical Services Bureau (TSB) is responsible for delivering critical operational support and technological solutions that enable the San Mateo Police Department to function efficiently and effectively. This bureau oversees several specialized units, including Dispatch, which provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency communication support to the public and officers in the field. TSB also manages the Property and Evidence Unit, ensuring the secure storage and handling of all evidentiary items. The Real Time Information Center (RTIC) enhances situational awareness by providing real-time intelligence and camera monitoring to support active field operations. Additionally, the bureau administers the Body-Worn Camera Program, which promotes transparency and accountability through the management and review of digital evidence. Information and Technology Services within TSB ensures the department’s infrastructure, applications, and data systems remain secure, up-to-date, and fully operational. Collectively, the Technical Services Bureau serves as the backbone of the department, supporting both frontline and administrative functions through innovation, responsiveness, and precision.