Community Outreach

What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting is an inkless process whereby your fingerprints are scanned, digitized and electronically transmitted to the California Department of Justice. This service is done only by appointment.

• A Request for Live Scan Service form. This form should already be completed prior to your appointment.
• A valid government issued picture identification, such as a Driver’s License, State ID Card, or Passport.

How much is the Live Scan fee?
The police department charges a $16.00 rolling fee. Additional fees may apply depending on type of application. Payment for Live Scan services must be in the form of cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Checks will be accepted for the rolling fee only. Checks are not accepted for DOJ or FBI fees.

What is the Request for Live Scan Service form?
This is a triplicate government form which you obtain from the person or agency that requested you to be fingerprinted. Any questions you may have regarding the results of the Live Scan should be directed to the agency handling your employment or licensing.

What are the Live Scan hours?
Live Scan hours are by appointment only. Please call the Records Bureau at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2590 to schedule an appointment.

Where is the Police Department located?
The Police Department address is 1111 West Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, California 93455, near the intersection of South Blosser Road.

Where do I go once I arrive at the Police Department?
Live Scan Services are located in the main lobby of the police department. Contact the staff at the Records Bureau customer service counter upon your arrival.

Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). IC3's mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes. Click here to access the website.

The Community Policing Advisory Council
The advisory council is composed of community leaders representing many different segments of the population. This group meets every other month with the Chief of Police and occasionally other staff members, to provide unfiltered input from the community to police management. This direct interaction between the police and the community facilitates the building of partnerships and provides a community perspective on department policy and procedures.

Community Academy Program
The Community Police Academy provides an opportunity for diverse members of our community to learn more about the philosophy, methods, procedures and structure of their Police Department. In a formal classroom setting, members of the Department provide instruction in criminal law, traffic, investigation, patrol procedures, narcotic and gang enforcement, crime prevention and many other topics. The Community Academy Program is conducted twice a year for six to eight weeks and culminates in a formal graduation ceremony. 
Community Academy Application

Police Explorer Program
The Police Explorers are a group of young adults ages 14 to 21, who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement. These Explorers assist the Police Department during various community events providing traffic and crowd control that enable the public to enjoy the events. The Explorers are very active and sponsor many fund-raising activities to finance their community service projects.  About the Explorer Program.

Interested young adults may apply at the Santa Maria Police Department or by contacting the Unit Advisor. Explorer Application. Phone: (805) 928-3781 ext. 2430 or ntotorica@cityofsantamaria.org.

Citizens Riding On Patrol (CROP) Program
This program offers its participants the opportunity to gain greater insight into the wide range of services provided by the Santa Maria Police Department. Riders must be at least 16 years of age and have parental permission to accompany an officer on a ride-along. Due to the large number of participants in this program, the Santa Maria Police Department must limit the rides to one per year.

Interested individuals may contact the Training Bureau, (805) 928-3781 x8503 or calvarez@cityofsantamaria.org to arrange for an application or pick one up at the Santa Maria Police Department. After the application has been completed and submitted, you will be notified by the Training Bureau to schedule your ride-along.

Radar Traffic Trailer
The Radar Traffic Trailer is a dual-purpose stationary radar trailer designed to raise public awareness of streets where unsafe speed is a problem. It also serves to educate drivers about their own speed when passing through an area where the trailer is parked. A stationary radar unit inside the trailer tracks the approaching vehicle and displays the speed on a signboard. Above this signboard is displayed the posted speed limit. The driver is instantly made aware of his/her speed and can make the necessary corrections. Studies have shown that deploying this trailer in high incident collision locations can significantly reduce injury traffic accidents.

Law Enforcement Torch Run
Officers of the Santa Maria Police Department are actively involved with Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Torch Run is a world-wide organization that raises money and awareness for Special Olympics. Officers volunteer their time to wait tables at Tip-A-Cop Dinners, and at Pepper Garcia's, Cool Hand Luke's, Red Robin, and Rooney’s Irish Pub. They also host special events such as 5k/10k Runs, and the Annual Poker Tournament, and through these functions, the Santa Maria Police Department has been recognized as a leader in the Southern California Torch Run.

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