LA VERNE POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The La Verne Police Department is committed to building a strong, collaborative relationship with our community through programs designed to inform, protect, and support our residents. Our Citizens’ Academy offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement operations, while our Children’s Fingerprinting service helps safeguard our youngest residents. We support neighborhood safety through the Neighborhood Watch program, and our Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) program checks in on seniors and others who live alone. Operation ID aids in property protection, and our Special Needs Registry allows us to respond more effectively to individuals with unique needs. Each program underscores our dedication to a safer, more connected community.
Volunteer Programs
Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP)
The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) program, established in 1991, provides La Verne residents with an opportunity to assist the Police Department in supporting public safety and community programs. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2002, the RSVP program
plays a vital role in enhancing police operations and community engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities
RSVP members serve as additional “eyes and ears” for the Police Department, performing non- enforcement tasks such as:
- Providing Livescan fingerprinting services for adults and children.
- Conducting vacation house checks.
- Providing emergency school crossing guard relief.
- Assisting with clerical duties.
They also assist with traffic control and logistical support for parades and city events, freeing up police officers for critical duties.
How to Join
Applicants must:
- Be at least 55 years old.
- Pass a background check, oral interview, and obtain medical clearance.
- Complete the LVPD Citizens’ Academy and RSVP training course.
Upon acceptance, members receive equipment and uniforms, including the RSVP volunteer badge, representing their commitment to service.
Get Involved
Applications are available at the La Verne Police Department, 2061 Third Street. For more information, contact Community Services Supervisor Hollie Savage at (909) 596-1913 or hsavage@lvpd.org.
Chaplain Program
The La Verne Police Department’s Chaplain Program offers counseling and emotional support to department personnel, their families, and members of the community. Chaplains provide a compassionate presence during challenging times, offering guidance, comfort, and a listening ear to those in need. Dedicated to supporting both the department and the community, the Chaplain Program reflects the La Verne Police Department’s commitment to care and service.
Explorer Program
The La Verne Police Department’s Explorer Program prepares young individuals, ages 14 ½ to 18, for potential careers in law enforcement. Participants gain hands-on experience while learning teamwork, leadership, community service, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills
in a professional law enforcement environment. Explorers contribute to the community through activities such as assisting police divisions, participating in patrol ride-alongs, supporting traffic control, and engaging in law enforcement-related competitions.
To join, applicants must maintain good physical fitness, complete an Explorer Training Academy, and demonstrate academic and attendance standards. Participants are required to attend bi-weekly meetings, volunteer regularly, and adhere to strict conduct guidelines, including zero
tolerance for drugs or alcohol. Parental or guardian support is required for those under 18.
Guided by Police Officer Advisors and senior Explorers, the program emphasizes leadership and professional growth. Many former Explorers have pursued successful careers in law enforcement, including with the La Verne Police Department.
The Explorer Program offers an invaluable opportunity to serve the community and explore a future in law enforcement.
Ready to join?
If you’re interested in becoming an Explorer, please click the link to contact our Explorer Advisor, Sergeant Mark Gutierrez at mgutierrez@lvpd.org.
Business Assistance for Crime Reduction (BACR) Program
The Business Assistance for Crime Reduction (BACR) Program is a proactive initiative designed to enhance safety and security for businesses in the City of La Verne. Focused on reducing theft and other crimes, the program combines partnerships with local businesses, best practices in environmental design, and advanced technology to deter criminal activity. With an initial budget of $50,000, BACR reflects the La Verne Police Department’s commitment to fostering a secure and thriving business community.
This program is now available to the La Verne business community. For more information or to learn how your business can participate, contact the BACR Program Coordinator at bacr@cityoflaverne.org.
Children’s Fingerprinting
In an effort to keep children in La Verne safe, the La Verne Police Department Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) group offers free children’s fingerprinting. The prints are given to the parent/guardian to keep. If the child is lost or missing, the print card can then be brought to the police to help with identification.
We offer free children’s fingerprinting at the annual National Night Out event, which is held the first Tuesday in August, and at the La Verne Public Safety “Open House” which is generally held bi-annually in October.
There may be other civic events during the year where we will conduct free children’s fingerprinting. Information about upcoming events will be found on our social media pages.
For groups of 10 or more children, arrangements can be made for this free fingerprinting service. To inquire about fingerprinting for your group, please contact Community Services at (909) 596-1913.
Neighborhood Watch: The Most Effective Way To Prevent Crime
Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective, least costly, and community-driven ways to prevent crime and reduce fear in neighborhoods. By fostering communication and cooperation among residents, Neighborhood Watch creates a unified front against crime, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and strengthens relationships between the police department and the community.
Neighborhood Watch empowers residents to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the police by encouraging the reporting of suspicious activities and persons as soon as they are observed. This collaboration between citizens and law enforcement is a powerful tool in preventing crime.
It’s a Team Effort
No police department can function effectively without the support of the community. Unfortunately, some people hesitate to report suspicious activities, either because they think it’s unimportant or assume someone else has already reported it. Neighborhood Watch encourages residents to take action without worrying about seeming nosy or overreacting. It’s better to report your concerns than to regret not acting later. Every call makes a difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe.
How Neighborhood Watch Works
Neighborhood Watch operates on the principles of deterrence, delay, and detection. It is built on a communication network organized at three levels:
Residents: Everyday neighbors who report suspicious activities.
Block Captains: Designated leaders who coordinate efforts on each street or block.
Police: Officers who support and respond to the needs of the Neighborhood Watch group.
Together, these levels create a strong defense against crime in the community.
Organize a Neighborhood Watch
Starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area is simple and impactful. Begin by reaching out to the La Verne Police Department’s Community Services at (909) 596-1913 to express your interest. Gather your neighbors to support the initiative, and schedule your first meeting.
At your initial meeting, block captains and co-captains will be selected, and communication methods, such as call lists or phone trees, will be established. Our Community Services team will provide guidance and ongoing support to ensure your Neighborhood Watch is a success.
Neighborhood Watch is about more than just crime prevention—it’s about building a safer, stronger, and more connected community. Join us in making a difference where it matters most—right in your own neighborhood.
Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) Program
If you are a senior living alone in La Verne or you have parents or friends who live alone, you need to know about the Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) Program.
The “You Are Not Alone” (Y.A.N.A.) Program is designed for La Verne residents to provide a measure of security and well-being for those who are alone. This free program consists of checking on a regular basis the welfare of those residents who have requested it.
Participants in the program can choose to have the senior volunteers of the La Verne Police Department, Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, visit them on a one day a week, or two day a week schedule.
The Y.A.N.A. Program will NOT provide the following services:
- Administer medications.
- Take the participant to the doctor’s office, grocery store, or run errands.
Program Criteria:
- Be at least 65 years old.
- Live in the city of La Verne.
- Have a next-of-kin or friend available as a responsible party.
For additional information, contact the La Verne Police Department (909) 596-1913, extension 2224. You can leave a message and a Y.A.N.A. representative will return your call promptly. You may also call them directly at (909) 805-5932.
Operation ID
Operation Identification is a program designed to assist the home and business owner in properly marking and recording their valuables.
Through the use of engravers loaned to the public by our Department, an identifying number (usually a Drivers’ License Number) is engraved on all valuable property.
The property owner then maintains a current record of their belongings that could be used to identify the property if it was ever stolen and subsequently recovered.
The La Verne Police Department will loan an engraver to La Verne residents free of charge for a period of one week. Residents must bring a valid California Drivers’ License or California Identification Card to the La Verne Police Department and complete an Engraver Loan Agreement. You will also be given an Inventory Form to be used to record your engraved property.
Engravers are available for loan at the La Verne Police Department front counter, Monday through Thursday, 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Victim Information/Resource Center
Domestic Violence
It is the policy of the La Verne Police Department to respond to all calls involving domestic violence. If you believe you are the victim of domestic violence, call the police department. The La Verne Police Department is committed to helping you. Domestic violence is a complex and serious issue which needs to be resolved and ended. The La Verne Police Department will make a report of all domestic violence incidents responded to even if the victim does not request an arrest or prosecution.
Resources:
- House of Ruth: (909) 988-5559 – 24 Hour Hotline – www.houseofruthinc.org
- Y.W.C.A. Wings: (626) 967-0658 – 24 Hour Hotline – www.ywcasgv.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-978-3600
- Info Line for Los Angeles County: (626) 350-6833
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Court Restraining Orders
- Obtaining a Restraining Order
- If a police officer on the scene of a domestic violence call reasonably believes that physical or serious emotional harm has occurred or is imminent, or the victim has been threatened with future violence, the officer may contact a judicial officer by telephone to obtain an emergency protective order (restraining order) to ensure the safety of the adults and minor children involved. The emergency protective order is only valid for a few days to provide time for the victims to obtain a more permanent restraining order by the courts.
- In order to obtain a temporary or regular restraining order, you must appear at the Pomona Superior Court, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 620-3023 and file a petition requesting the restraining order.
- www.lacourt.org/courthouse/info/ea
Rape or Sexual Assault Victim Information
- Help for Assault Victims
- If you are the victim of a sexual assault, remember as much as you can about the suspect. Do not wash or destroy bedding or clothing worn during the assault. Do not shower until examined and treated by a doctor at a hospital. You may go on your own to the hospital for the examination or the police can arrange transportation. If you choose to go to the doctor or hospital on your own, be sure to inform medical personnel prior to the examination that you were the victim of a rape or sexual assault. This will ensure the examination will be conducted by a forensic nurse who will collect evidence relating to the assault.
- Counseling Centers:
- Project Sister Rape Crisis Center 24 Hour Hotline, Pomona CA: (909) 626-HELP
- www.projectsister.org
- L.A. Rape and Battering Hotline (310) 392-8381
- C.P.A.F. (Asian) Rape and Battering Hotline 1-800-339-3940 or (323) 653-4042
Child Abuse
If you believe that a child has been the victim of abuse, you can call the La Verne Police Department or the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services Hotline @ 1-800-540-4000.
Victim Assistance Programs
- Programs have been established by the State of California to provide aid to innocent persons who suffer loss of money due to injury or death caused by people committing violent crimes and other specified acts. You may be eligible for assistance. If you have been the victim of a crime that meets the required criteria, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the State of California Restitution Fund for losses directly resulting from the crime.
- To learn about eligibility, and other resources available, call or contact:
- Victims of Crime Program California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board P.O. Box 3036, Sacramento, CA 95812-3036 1-800-777-9229 www.boc.ca.gov
- Victim / Witness Assistance Program Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 620-3381 / (909) 620-3382 da.co.la.ca.us/vwap/
- Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime www.ojp.gov/about/offices/office-victims-crime-ovc
- Tri-City Mental Health Center Counseling and Crisis Intervention 2008 N. Garey Ave. Pomona, CA 91767 (909) 623-6131 www.tricitymhs.org
- California Judicial Forms Download restraining orders and other judicial forms www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/
More Resources
- Victim Information & Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E) – VINE form or www.vinelink.com
- Marsy’s Card & Resources Information Form
Special Needs Registry
The Special Needs Registry is a free, secure safety tool designed to help La Verne Police Department officers during contacts with community members with disabilities such as, but not limited to; Autism, Schizophrenia, Dementia, deafness or any other mental / developmental disabilities. The Registry is intended for residents of La Verne who may find their communication abilities challenged or ineffective when interacting with public safety personnel.
The Special Needs Registry gives police immediate access to critical information about a registered person such as emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions, known routines, favorite attractions, or special needs of the individual who is registered. This information can assist officers in communicating with, locating a residence for, or handling an emergency involving an individual with special needs.
Annual Registration
Annual Registration is required. An email will be sent to the parent / caregiver who has registered the individual thirty (30) days prior to the birthday of the registered individual. If an existing registration must be updated for any reason (change of address, change of caregiver, or other significant changes in the initial registration), we ask that an updated form be submitted as soon as possible. Registrations will be removed and destroyed if not updated after two years.
Who Has Access to the Information Provided?
Information provided in the Special Needs Registry is available only to authorized La Verne Police Department personnel for use in an emergency.
Terms of Use
Please note that participation in the Special Needs Registry is voluntary and does not guarantee any special treatment. Police will act according to policy, procedure, and best practice depending on the circumstances presented. An individual with special needs may still be arrested, should he or she break the law. Parents or caregivers who register a family member and adults who register themselves in the Special Needs Registry authorize the release of the personal information to the La Verne Police Department. La Verne Police Department personnel may use the information to help identify and assist the individual during an emergency or other encounter with public safety personnel. Parents, caregivers and adults who register themselves are responsible for the accuracy of the information and for updating the information when it changes or annually.
Click below to register for the special needs registry program.