Image of SFPD ALERT members before Chinese New Year festivities deployment.

Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Program

SFPD Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

Image of ALERT members in front of the San Francisco City Hall before a DUI Checkpoint deployment.

The San Francisco Police Department Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) is a volunteer-based program made up of dedicated community members who support SFPD operations and public safety initiatives.

Created to assist in disaster preparedness and emergency response, ALERT has since expanded its role to include a wide range of public service functions from community engagement to special event support and collaboration with other city departments.

When emergencies like earthquakes, fires, or other disasters occur, professional first responders may be overwhelmed. ALERT volunteers are trained to step in and support both the police and the community during these critical times, as well as in everyday public safety and outreach activities.

Image of ALERT members before Bay to Breakers deployment.

Who Can Join ALERT?

We are looking for individuals who are:

  • 16 years of age or older and able to respond to assignments within San Francisco in a reasonable timeframe.
  • Community-minded and believe in supporting the San Francisco Police Department.
  • Able to commit to at least 8 deployments per year.
  • Effective communicators who can stay calm and composed under pressure.
  • Comfortable working with people from all backgrounds.
  • Interested in public service, law enforcement, and emergency preparedness.
  • Ready to serve in both emergency and non-emergency capacities.

Types of ALERT Deployments

Image of ALERT members before Park District Station deployment.

ALERT volunteers support a variety of events and operations across the city, including:

  • Community Engagement Events
  • Public Safety and Awareness Campaigns
  • Cultural and Heritage Celebrations
  • Parades and Street Festivals
  • Charity Walks and Fundraisers
  • Emergency Preparedness Exercises and Commemorative Events
  • Youth and Family Outreach Activities
  • Seasonal and Holiday Initiatives

Deployments take place on weekdays and weekends, during the day or night, and typically last between 4 to 10 hours. Volunteers must complete at least 8 deployments annually to maintain active status.

How to Join the SFPD ALERT Program

Image of ALERT members before Carnaval deployment.
  1. Express Your Interest:
    Email us at SFPDALERT@sfgov.org with a brief paragraph explaining why you want to join the program.
  2. Complete a Background Check:
    Submit a background questionnaire and schedule a LiveScan fingerprinting appointment through the SFPD Backgrounds Unit. DOJ/FBI clearance is required every four years while serving as an active ALERT member.
  3. Attend Training:
    Complete a two-day weekend classroom training and a one-day field deployment.

ALERT volunteers are provided an opportunity to obtain First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification, valuable skills that equip individuals to respond effectively to emergencies.

Want to Learn More?

For more information about the SFPD ALERT Program, contact our coordinators through email or phone:

Email: SFPDALERT@sfgov.org
Phone: 1-415-575-6043 (SFPD ALERT Program Coordinator)

San Francisco Police Department

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