Emergency: 9-1-1 or 650-321-4433
24-hour Dispatch Center (non-emergency): 650-329-2413 Main Business Number (front desk): 650-329-2406 (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) After hours / weekends: 650-329-2413
Chief Robert Jonsen welcomes you to the Palo Alto Police Department's website, and encourages you to learn more about our programs and services!
The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships. We subscribe to core values that include integrity, accountability, trust, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the professional, impartial treatment of all.
It is important for us to stay connected to our community. It is also important for us to inform you about what's going on in town, the work that we're doing, and how you can best work with us to make Palo Alto as safe as we possibly can.
For the most up-to-date Department news, alerts, and advisories, please follow us on one of our many social media platforms: Twitter, Nextdoor, Instagram, Nixle, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr. We also have a free mobile smartphone app, which we encourage you to download for iOS or Android today!
We provide service to a resident population of approximately 66,955 (according to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau estimate). Our daytime population increases to over 125,000, as the Stanford University campus and our thriving business community bring many more people to town.
For more information about the various units of the Palo Alto Police Department, please visit our About the Police Department page.
Based on recent events and inquiries from the Palo Alto community, the Palo Alto Police Department has put together the following information to explain the relationship between the Palo Alto Police Department and the federal government (specifically, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, or "ICE") on immigration matters. Information on PAPD Relationship with Federal Government on Immigration MattersMore...
We are looking for men and women from all backgrounds who welcome a challenge, and who will uphold our mission statement, "To proudly protect and serve the public with respect and integrity." We offer great pay and benefits, ample opportunities for specialty assignments and advancement, outstanding training, and the privilege to serve the community of Palo Alto.
AlertSCC is the system that all Santa Clara County public safety agencies use to deliver emergency notifications. Both the Palo Alto Police Department and the Palo Alto Fire Department use this system to send emergency alerts specific to Palo Alto. Are You Registered for Emergency Alerts?More...
Burglaries of parked and unattended vehicles are occurring regularly all over the Bay Area, including here in Palo Alto. Here's some information on how you can take steps to protect your property. Vehicle SecurityMore...
Learn more about Project Safety Net, a collaborative community network held together by a common interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto. PSN defines our community's teen suicide prevention efforts. Project Safety NetMore...