Police Department

Newark Police Department
37101 Newark Blvd.
Newark, CA 94560

Emergency: 911
Note: Some non-residential telephones may
require a prefix such as 9-911 for outside line.
Non-Emergency: (510) 578-4237
Email: police@newark.org

On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the Newark Police Department, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information about our department, its operations, and the programs we offer to serve our community. To ensure this effort is a success, we will update our site frequently to make it as useful and interactive as possible; however, I encourage you to contact us with comments and suggestions on how to improve.

I am very proud to serve you as the eighth Police Chief in Newark’s history since its incorporation in 1955. During the past twenty one years, I have served this community and watched Newark grow from a small, sleepy town to a thriving and diverse city that is still rich with tradition and culture. While the city has grown and gone through many changes, the one thing that has not changed is the Newark Police Department’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. This is accomplished through a philosophy of community oriented policing and problem solving, public education, prevention, and proactive law enforcement efforts.

I have an exceptional staff of sworn and non-sworn personnel who work 24 hours a day to protect the lives and property in our community. Our goal is to deliver the highest level of professional service possible to all of our customers, whether internally to other city departments, or externally to you, our community members. Our core values of Honor, Integrity, Professionalism, Commitment, and Leadership define the Newark Police Department and are the keys to our success.

There are ways for you to get involved and make a difference also. We offer an annual Citizen Police Academy to residents free of charge. During the Academy, you will learn more about the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as the function of some of our specialized teams such as the K9 Unit, Traffic Unit, Detective Division, Special Enforcement Team, Gang and Narcotic Task Forces, and SWAT. There are also general volunteer opportunities, including those in Graffiti Abatement, if you have the time and energy to spare. We wouldn’t be nearly as successful without all your support and for that I thank you.

It is an honor to serve as your Police Chief and to represent all the men and women who work very hard to make Newark a great place to work and live.

Respectfully,

James Leal
Chief of Police

The Newark Police Department provides proactive community-oriented law enforcement through crime detection, apprehending criminals, responding to emergency calls for service and working with various stakeholders on problem solving various community needs; as well as detecting traffic violations, investigating accidents, and apprehending violators. Law education is provided to members of the community through various awareness programs such as crime prevention, neighborhood watch, and the Citizens Police Academy. Responsibilities of this department are carried out by sworn and non-sworn personnel.

There are three Divisions within the Police Department: Police Operations, Police Support Services and Police Administrative Services. The Department has a number of specialized positions i.e., Detectives, Special Enforcement Team (SET), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Field Training Officer (FTO), Canine (K-9), Bicycle Patrol, and Traffic/Motor Officers. The Department also has a number of community-oriented policing programs in place including School Resource Officers (SRO) and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT). Civilian positions include Animal Control, Communications, and Records personnel

The Newark Police Department is entrusted to perform a critical community service - Law Enforcement. As members of the Newark Police Department, we understand that our decisions and actions must meet the most demanding ethical standards. We shall commit to the highest levels of personal and professional conduct by adhering to these five core values:

HONOR-INTEGRITY-PROFESSIONALISM-COMMITMENT-LEADERSHIP

MISSION
Provide excellence in public safety and service to our community with Honor, Integrity, and Professionalism.

VISION
To be creative, innovative, and proactive while providing exceptional police services in partnership with our community.

Application Procedures The Newark Police Department requires a high school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent to be considered for employment. It is highly desirable that additional education such as an Associates or Bachelors degree is possessed. Applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. You have to be able to meet established physical and psychological standards. Additionally, you will be required to complete an extensive background investigation which will include a polygraph examination. A recent or extensive history of traffic violations/collisions, drug convictions, or other serious indiscretions are potential reasons for disqualification. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien is required. Entry level applicants must show proof of having passed a physical agility test as well as a written exam. The certificate can be obtained from the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium or other approved POST academy/agency. You must successfully complete the POST Entry–Level Reading and Writing Exam (minimum T-score = 46) and the Physical Abilities exam. (The certificate must be dated within 12 months of the oral board exam.)

The City of Newark Employment Application can be obtained from the City of Newark Human Resource Department, located at 37101 Newark Blvd., Newark, California, 94560 or online by clicking here: http://www.newark.org/Newark/PDF/HR/Employment_Application.pdf

Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the minimum job qualifications. You may then be invited to participate in the testing process. The testing process consists of a formal oral board interview and a Report Completion Exercise (RCE). The oral board interview assessors will be comprised of a panel of law enforcement professionals who will evaluate the applicant’s performance. The interviews and RCE will be scored and qualified candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. The list will be in effect for a period of six-months. The Newark Police Department then selects candidates from the eligibility list to invite to a Command Staff interview. The successful applicant must then pass an extensive background investigation. As part of the final selection process, the applicant must complete a psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical examination.

If you believe you possess the Honor, Integrity and Commitment to become a Newark Police Officer we invite you to submit your application.

Patrol Branch
Contact Information: (510)578-4237

Traffic Branch
Contact Information: (510)578-4369

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

Special Enforcement Branch (SET)
Contact Information: 510-578-4247

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
Contact Information:510)578-4345
Fax: (510)578-4277

Records Branch
Contact Information: (510)578-4301
Fax: (510)578-4329

Communications Branch
Contact Information: (510)578-4587

Property & Evidence Branch
Contact Information: (510)578-4857

The association sponsors annual fundraising events in Newark such as Tip-a-Cop in support of Special Olympics. If you know of donors who need a tax write off or have fundraising ideas, please contact Officer Nick Mavrakis at (510)578-4778.

PUBLICATIONS
(also available in the police department lobby)

Having a Party? Both your neighbors and the Police Department recognize your right to have a social gathering or party. Check out your obligations, California laws, Municipal Code, possible fines, along with some helpful suggestions to make it a worry-free event.

The Newark Police Department is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence.

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California laws you should know before purchasing a motorized, stand-up scooter (GoPed) for your child. Also, check out: Public Roadway use of Motorized Scooters (Go-Peds), MoPeds, Bicycles, and Similar Devices. These, along with other free pamphlets concerning public safety, are available in the Police Department lobby.

No-text Law Goes Into Effect January 1, 2009. Starting January 1, 2009 a new law will go into effect where writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication while driving will be against the law for all drivers in California.This new law applies to electronic wireless communications devices used to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the new laws that went into effect July 1, 2008 concerning cell phone usage while driving. Español

Ammunition Disposal The Police Department is no longer able to accept unwanted ammunition from Newark residents.

"Silent Witness" hotline: (510)578-4000 extension 500. Information can be left anonymously.

File an on-line report for Lost Property, Vehicle Burglary, Identity Theft, Harassing Phone Call, Theft, and Vandalism. This reporting option is to be used when there are no known SUSPECT INFORMATION or OBVIOUS INVESTIGATIVE LEADS. This service is for documentation purposes only. There will be no further investigation into the incident you report. To learn more about this service please call the Online Reporting Center at 510-578-4000 extension 750.

Did You Know Some basic traffic safety issues that may be new or often overlooked. Issues such as CELL PHONE usage while driving are highlighted along with the applicable section of the California Vehicle Code.

Latest Press Releases

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Frequently Asked Questions concerning photo-enforcement at traffic signals.

Frequently Asked Questions concerning statistics while Driving Under the Influence or calling 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. Tips for spotting and reporting suspected drunk drivers.