The Patrol Bureau consists of multiple squads of uniformed Patrol Officers, each reporting to a Patrol Sergeant. They are the most visible members of the Police Department and are often referred to as the "backbone" of the department due to their involvement in nearly all calls for service and their support of all other bureaus within the Police Department. They work 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, and are the first responders to all calls.

Patrol Officers are assigned a specific area of the city to patrol but are often called upon to assist in other areas as needed. Patrol Officers conduct preliminary investigations and either complete the cases or submit them to specialty units for follow-up.

Honor Guard Unit

The City of Yuma Police Department Honor Guard is a ceremonial police unit dedicated to upholding the highest values and traditions of the men and women of law enforcement.  Members of the Yuma Police Department Honor Guard are full time sworn Police Officers and are committed to representing the City of Yuma and their law enforcement family. 

The Yuma Police Department Honor Guard has participated in numerous civic events, parades, memorials, and funerals to honor our fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you would like our Honor Guard to participate in an event please send your request to: ypdhonorguard@yumaaz.gov

School Services Unit

School Resource Officers (SROs) are sworn law enforcement officers who have completed certification and training through the National Associations of School Resource Offices Program.  The SRO position encompasses three major components that allow the SRO to achieve this goal: law enforcement, education, and mentoring. The SRO becomes involved in the students' lives as a positive role model. These positive interactions help to prevent juvenile crime and promote a safe learning environment in schools.  SROs spend approximately 90% of their time on campus with students.  SROs teach classes, provide school security, enforce criminal laws, and handle some administrative actions.

The School Resource Officers with the Yuma Police Department fall under the School Services Unit.  The Yuma Police Department currently has one SRO assigned to each of the Public High Schools and Jr High Schools.

 Traffic Unit

The Traffic Unit consists of Civilian Investigators and Motor Officers.

The primary focus of the Civilian Investigators is to investigate vehicle collisions. These Civilian Investigators possess varying skill levels of vehicle collision investigation ranging from Advanced Investigator to Reconstructionist. They investigate all vehicle collisions from minor fender benders to fatalities. They also enforce parking regulations, assist with traffic control for major events, give instruction on safe driving to community groups, and provide Child Car Seat Inspections.

The Motor Officers' primary responsibilities revolve around traffic laws, both enforcement and education. They also respond to calls for service and citizen traffic complaints. Motor Officers may assist in Collision Investigations when needed, enforce DUI laws, and investigate the criminal violations of all serious or fatal collisions. Motor Officers are involved in DUI enforcement details and special traffic enforcement details as needed. Additionally, Motor Officers provide community instruction on traffic laws/safety, and they provide traffic control during local parades and other special events.

Combined Special Operation Group

K-9 Unit

The Yuma Police Department's K9 Unit consists of Belgian Malinois. The primary role of these dogs is that of a "locating tool" and are trained to accomplish various tasks such as; Narcotic Detection, Building/Area Searches, Article/Evidence Searches, Trailing/Tracking and because of canines, unique capabilities can be used to assist Yuma area law enforcement in the apprehension of serious offenders in flight or those resisting arrest.

All canine teams start with a minimum of 320 hours of formal training, followed by achievement of national certification (National Police Canine Association) before being allowed to work the streets. In addition to being certified with NPCA, our police service dog teams have an additional certification with NNDDA (National Narcotic Detection Dog Association) and are members of ALECA (Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association). Our first four dogs were purchased by funding provided by the Yuma County RICO (Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations) funds. RICO funds are generated by law enforcement activities resulting in asset forfeiture proceedings. Once forfeited, proceeds are deposited into the Yuma County Rico fund and are expended in accordance with state and federal law guidelines. All of our current canines were purchased from Adlerhorst International Incorporated for $12,125.00, not including tax and all were imported from Holland.

Combined Special Operations Group (CSOG)

Yuma Police Department’s (CSOG) Unit is designed to proactively deter and solve crime through Intelligence-Led/Problem-Oriented Policing using directed patrols and details, and active partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, community members, organizations, and businesses. They train residents on crime prevention through environmental design principles, organize neighborhood watch groups, and host community meetings. They help certify rental properties as crime-free and host annual safety socials.

They will work to identify and solve problems related to Criminal Street and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, narcotics, public disorder, property crimes, and neighborhood disputes. They combat graffiti through the T.A.G.S. program by partnering with property owners, adult and juvenile probation, and other City of Yuma departments and prosecute the individuals who commit this damage.