The El Centro Police Department was established in April 1908 and was first located on the northwest corner of 6th and State streets. In the Fall of 1950 the department moved to its current location at 150 North 11th St.

From 1908 to 1926, the officer in charge of policing the city held the title of City Marshal. The first officer designated as the City Marshal was Clyde A. Bradford who served from April 1908 - April 1910. The first officer designated as the Chief of Police was Sterling Oswalt who served from May 1926 - June 1930.

We, of the El Centro Police Department, recognize that we exist to serve all people within our jurisdiction. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community by providing a safe environment through the provision of professional law enforcement services.

The El Centro Police Department is made up of 47 sworn officers; Chief of Police, 1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants and 36 Police Officers. The department also has an active Reserve Officer program, a PAX Team program and an Explorer Cadet program. The department has 23 civilian employees assigned to Records, Communications, Evidence, Animal Control, Crime Prevention, Community Service Officer, Crime Analysis Unit, Computer Information Services and Parking Enforcement.

The El Centro Police Department was formed in 1908. The original police building was located at 6th & State streets. In 1953 the City of El Centro built a new police building, currently located at 150 N. 11th Street. The building was remodeled, and additional office space added in 1976, and this is the existing structure.

Through the years the department has progressed with the growth of the City, to meet the needs of the citizens of El Centro. We have increased from a small town department to a mid size, modern Police Department.

In august 1996 the El Centro Police Department expanded and started using space provided by the El Centro Community Center. The Department now has a Community Oriented Police Office, Crime Prevention Specialist, Training Office, and Volunteer Services office located at the Community Center (375 S. 1st Street)

In addition to our Community Center sub station, we have a sub station at Posada del Sol (1400 North Imperial Ave.), we use this sub station primarily for Report Writing. We have also an active Police Athletic League at 1100 North 4th Street.

In addition to this auxiliary sites, we have a 2 School Resource Officers, one permanently assigned to the High Schools (Both Central and Southwest) and the second assigned to the Jr. High Schools.

In 1999 we re-implemented (with the help of the Office of Traffic Safety) our Traffic Unit, which consist of one Sergeant, one Motor Officer and the Community Service Officer. Our CSO is also in charge of the PAX Team.

We also have an Active Emergency Response Team and a Special Enforcement Unit (For Gangs)

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