The Department of Police Service and Community Services is responsible for the management of law enforcement, homelessness services, social services, volunteer coordination, Senior services, Library Services, Transit Services, Citywide Social Media, Marketing, and Communications. It is comprised of City Administrative Personnel, Public Safety Officers, Code Enforcement Inspectors, Case Managers, Housing Navigator, Public Safety Aides, Public Safety Volunteers, Community Service facility/program staff and Media and Communications staff. Collectively they work alongside Whittier Police Department sworn personnel on developing effective solutions to address community defined law enforcement concerns and deliver quality service. Through collaborative partnerships, the Department provides a variety of supplemental programs and services to enhance the well-being, safety, and engagement of the community. During FY 25/26 the Community Services Administration Division was consolidated and the Family & Human Services Division and Library Services Division merged with Police Services to form the Department of Police and Community Services. The Department of Police and Community Services manages and operates the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center, the Police Services Center, the Library and Police Staging and all related fleet. 

Police Services Division

Administration: 

Administrative Assistants provide customer service to patrons and support all Department personnel. Administrative personnel also manage permits for secondhand dealers, mobile food trucks, sidewalk vending, solicitors, yard sales, and RV Permits, and manage the Camera Rebate Program.

Public Safety: 

Public Safety Officers provide citywide support and perform a variety of public safety and law enforcement functions, and serve as a liaison between law enforcement and the community. Their duties include, but are not limited to, responding to non-emergent/non-hazardous calls for service, preparing crime reports, traffic collision reports, securing parks, coordinating the removal of illegally dumped items and graffiti, assisting at City special events, community engagement/programs, and enforcing parking/municipal code violations.

Code Enforcement: 

The division works closely with all City departments to ensure community needs are met. Inspectors are responsible for enforcing Municipal Code violations related to commercial and residential property maintenance standards, illegal business operations, unpermitted land use, and illegal construction. Code Enforcement Inspectors also enforce building code violations, zoning violations, health and safety standards related to environmental protection, and neighborhood preservation.

Homelessness Engagement Team: 

The team assists individuals experiencing homelessness or who are on the verge of homelessness. A Social Services Case Manager and Housing Navigator are available to connect individuals with shelter, housing resources, and supportive services.

Other Responsibilities

With the exception of jailing and dispatch, this Department is responsible for the management of all law enforcement services within the City. The Department is staffed by both City personnel and officers of the Whittier Police Department, who provide services to Santa Fe Springs under contract.

Public Service Areas Information

The City of Santa Fe Springs is divided into three law enforcement public service areas. Each area has a dedicated sergeant and a team of officers and public safety officers. The three area policing teams constantly monitor crime trends, problem locations, and quality-of-life issues in their respective areas.

Residents are encouraged to contact their area sergeant and teams with any questions and concerns. The policing teams meet regularly to find long-term solutions for area problems.

Community Services Division

Family & Human Services at the GVNC: 

The Family & Human Services Division at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center (GVNC) provides strategic leadership and oversight of programs and services that support residents at all stages of life, aligning operations with City Council goals and community priorities. Core service areas include older adult services, family support, social services, case management, transportation, volunteerism, health and wellness initiatives, community engagement, leisure activities and public information. 

The Center provides older adult services, family support programs, transportation services (Dial-A-Ride), case management, and other programs and classes that support well-being. Further staff oversee the operations of GVNC including programming, facility reservations, activities, classes to provide a community hub. The Media and Communications team is located at the GVNC and coordinates all City-wide communication efforts including social media, print media, public information campaigns, All Things SFS guide and newsletter. 

Library & Cultural Services:

The Santa Fe Springs City Library & Cultural Services Division promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment while serving as a central hub for education, connection, and community engagement. The Division supports City Council priorities by providing access to information resources, preserving local history, and delivering inclusive programs that enhance quality of life for residents of all ages. 

The Library offers books, movies, magazines, and digital resources in multiple formats; access to informational databases; passport processing services; and adult and children’s literacy programs. Educational and cultural offerings include First Friday events, preschool and bilingual story times, STEAM activities, Craft Café, Coding Club, and other enrichment programs. As a vibrant community hub, the Library provides flexible spaces for study, collaboration, public meetings, and family activities, reinforcing its role as a safe, accessible, and inclusive gathering place for residents who live, work, and visit Santa Fe Springs.